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REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



HIS LIFE, 
SERMONS, CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. 



PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 



NORRISTOWN, PA.: 
1890. 



.A * 



31^ 



»*A» 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1890, by 

L. C. A A RON, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



S#5 i~/J 

; 



Morgan R. WILLS, 
Printer and Publisher. 



TO THE 

FRIENDS AXD FORMER PUPILS OF MY FATHER, 

AS A MEMENTO OF HIM, 

WHO "BEING DEAD YET SPEAKETH,' ; 

THIS BOOK IS INSCRIBED BY THE EDITOR. 



INTRODUCTION. 



At the request of a number of the friends of the late 
Rev. Samuel Aaron this volume has been prepared. I 
regret exceedingly that so few of his sermons, lectures, 
speeches, etc., have been preserved. A number of the 
sermons are largely notes of sermons, just as Mr. Aaron 
prepared them for his own use. That the work may prove 
a source of pleasure, as well as of profit, to those who read 
it, is my earnest wish. 

L. C. Aaron. 



CONTENTS. 



* PAGE 

Sketch of Mr. Aaron 3 

Sermons , 17 

Miscellaneous. 

Circular Letter 89 

Gaming and Horse-Racing 93 

Infidelity 94 

Certificate of Ordination, &c 95 

Agreement, &c 98 

Essay in 1S19 99 

Memento 106 

Temperance. 

Annual Meeting 107 

Report 112 

Plain Truth 114 

Report 116 

Notes — License System 118 

Meeting 120 

Petition ... 121 

Plea for Total Abstinence 122 

Correspondence. 

Samuel Aaron 124 

Samuel R. Gummere 141 

Isaiah James 142 

F. Wayland — John C. Ten Eyck — William J. Allinson 143 

Samuel Stebbins 144 

J. W. H 146 

Dillwyn Parrish 147 

Thomas P. Knox — Joseph Parrish 14S 

U. V. Pennypacker 149 

John J. Henry— Sumner Stebbins 150 

J. Pancoast — E. Goodman, et al 151 

William J Allinson 152 

Oliver Johnson 153 

William Lloyd Garrison — Gerrit Smith 154 

John Williams, et al. — John Chambers 155 



CONTEXTS. 

PAGE 
CORRESPONDENCE. 

Benjamin Buckman, et al. — Jerome Walnut, George Wright 156 

William Lloyd Garrison — M. B. Linton 157 

John A. Burton 158 

John Goforth— Samuel Aaron 159 

Josiah Phillips 1S2 

J. R. Bowman 183 

W. F 184 

Samuel Aaron 186 

Charles D. Cleveland 190 

Wendell Phillips 191 

L S 192 

William Henry Channing — Samuel Aaron 193 

Charles S. Bates 199 

200 

Samuel Aaron 201 

L S 204 

Howard, Malcom — William Scott • 206 

William S. Hall . . , . . , . 207 

Samuel Aaron (Address) 208 

Robert P. Du Bois 209 

John Duer 211 

A. P. Buel 212 

Charles S. Bates 214 

C. L. R.— J. W. Loch— D. Y. Yerkes 217 

John G. Whittier — Thomas Adamson 218 

Samuel Aaron 220 

Anti-Colonization. 

A Review, &c 221 

American Independence. 

An Address 234 

Selections. 

Ode to Simplicity 247 

Lines 248 

Platform Scene 249 

Finances and Currency 251 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



Samuel Aaron was born in New Britain township, Bucks 
county, Pa., October 19, 1800; and the old house where he- 
was born is still standing, but has undergone numerous alter- 
ations and repairs, so that there are now but few traces of the 
original building left. He was of Welsh-Irish extraction; his 
father being of Welsh and his mother of Irish descent. The off- 
spring of a second marriage of his father, he was the youngest 
but one of four brothers; the family consisting also of three 
sisters. 

His father, Moses Aaron, a farmer in respectable circum- 
stances, was a member of the Baptist church, and a man of 
sincere and humble piety, who endeavored, both by precept 
and example, to train up his children in the nurture and ad- 
monition of the Lord. His son Samuel always cherished the 
highest esteem for his character, and most filial respect for his 
memory, and was accustomed to speak of him in simple but 
expressive and comprehensive language as emphatically "a 
good man." 

The second wife of Moses Aaron was Miss Hannah Kelly, 
a native of Hilltown, Bucks county, Pa. She was also a con- 
sistent member of the Baptist church; a woman of piety and 
social worth. She died when the subject of our sketch was 
but three years of age, and at the age of six he had the mis- 
fortune to lose his father also. 

Left an orphan at this tender age, he was placed under 
the care and control of an uncle, a kind-hearted man by na- 
ture, but unfortunately addicted to habits of intemperance. 
The little boy was frequently obliged to trudge bare-footed to 
the village store and back with the jug of liquor, and often felt 
tempted to break it against the st<*nes along the road. He 



4 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

was compelled also to carry it to the men in the harvest field, 
and hated to do it. His uncle was very cruel when intoxi- 
cated, and his little nephew would frequently hide in the barn 
to escape undeserved punishment, and wish that he could die. 
The sad condition of his guardian's family and business affairs, 
and the neglectful treatment he received then, made him in 
after life the terrible enemy he was of every form of intemper- 
ance. 

Samuel, with his brothers and sisters, attended school at 
New Britain, and the former learned rapidly, and was noted 
for his intellectual ability when a mere boy. At school he 
read aloud in "Sanford and Merton"; and his voice was so 
clear, and he spoke so distinctly, that he presented a great 
contrast to the other boys. He was kind and polite to the 
girls, and a favorite with them. An old lady (who is still liv- 
ing) who went to school with him when he was a small boy, 
said lately, that on cold winter mornings he would keep at a 
distance from the fire in the school-room, and say to the other 
boys, "stand back, boys, and let the girls have the warm seats." 
'As he set the example, the boys could not refuse to receive 
his advice and do as he did. He was fond of wrestling, play- 
ing ball, skating, and other athletic sports, and entered into 
them with all his heart; but he had at the same time an 
equally active brain; composed verses, rhymes, etc. He had 
a quick and violent temper, but brought it completely under 
control after he became a Christian. He worked upon his 
uncle's farm for several years, attending school during the 
\\ inter months; and there imbibing that taste for reading and 
study which afterwards, in connection with his great natural 
endowments, enabled him to become such an accomplished 
scholar and well-informed man. 

After leaving his uncle he went to live with 'Squire 
Roberts, and attended school at Montgomery Square, Pa. 
His teacher, Mr. Collom, an excellent, mild-tempered man 
and a capable scholar, was exceedingly kind to his youthful 
pupil, and encouraged him to cultivate the talents he pos- 
sessed. This kindness was never forgotten, and was often re- 
ferred to in after years by Mr. Aaron, who cherished the 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. 5 

memory of his former teacher, and always spoke of him in the 
highest terms of admiration, respect and affection. 

At sixteen years of age, obtaining a small patrimony in- 
herited from his father, Samuel entered the Academy of Rev. 
U. Du Bois, at Doylestown, Pa. In referring to that event 
years afterwards, he says: 

" In the Spring of 1817, I was first introduced to the knowledge and notice 
of the Rev. U. Du Rois. I had not unfrequently seen him in public, and heard 
him from the pulpit; but at that time it was decided by my guardian, a respectable 
old farmer, that I should receive from him some lessons in the ancient classics. I 
was dispatched alone to negotiate my admittance into his school; and with not a 
little bashful reluctance, greedy as I was for that sort of knowledge, I presented 
myself and my purpose to Mr. Du Bois. I have the most vivid remembrance of 
the interview ; of my own rustic dress and appearance contrasted with his perfectly 
genteel form and bearing ; how he fixed at first his black eyes upon me, sparkling 
through his spectacles ; how he smiled hope and encouragement upon me when 
he heard I had come to woo the Muses; how eloquent was every look and word 
in praise of learning and the learned ; how he spoke of bright men who had risen 
from what is called humble life, and amongst others of Mr. , then far ad- 
vanced in years and intellectual honors, though in early life the teacher of a com- 
mon school. In a few minutes he put me at my ease ; made me feel I was more 
than a clumsy cipher in the human series, and strengthening the determination in 
my soul to be useful, virtuous and intelligent. From that hour until his death, his 
kindness beamed upon me without variation or eclipse ; in spite of all that was 
weak and all that was wrong in my course, his affection was that of a father and 
a friend. He had no peculiar, far-fetched modes of thinking or of teaching. He 
seems to me now to have adapted, with sound common sense, his workmanship 
to such tools and materials as he had. He succeeded well, I think, in educating, 
that is, drawing out, the powers of almost all who had anything in them ; whether 
he toiled enough to fill up empty or leaky skulls, I dare not undertake to say." 

The boys at the Academy looked upon the new pupil 
with great admiration, when they heard that "that boy has 
been through the arithmetic." 

At twenty he connected himself with the Classical and 
Mathematical School of John Gummere, at Burlington, N. J., 
as both a student and assistant teacher. While there he be- 
came a favorite with teachers and pupils, corresponded with 
many of them for years, and retained them as friends through 
life. 

While at school in Burlington he decided not to remain 
a teacher very long, as he thought he was not fitted for the 
work, and shrank from the responsibility. His friends thought 
he underrated his abilities, and it is probable he did so. 



6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

In the Spring of 1821, having completed his education, 
he returned to Doylestown, Pa., to assist Rev. Du Bois in the 
Academy, and remained there for some months. Before leav- 
ing Burlington he received the following testimonial of respect 

from some of his friends : 

"Burlington, X. J., February 1, 1821. 
We, the undersigned, have agreed, as a testimonial of respect for Mr. Samuel 
Aaron, that we will give him a supper at Wilde's Tavern, on the evening previous 
to his leaving Burlington, and we appoint Mr. Valentine and Mr. Bennett to order 
it at such time, and to notify us. Wm. Kimber, John L. New bold, Wm. R. 
Richardson, James H. Bennett, G. Black, C. Holmes, J. Elkinton, Esq., Samuel 
S. Grubb, John M. Brown, B. B. Pittman, Wm. Valentine." 

In March, 1821, one of his Burlington school friends 
wrote him as follows: 

" I saw a letter from a young man in Doylestown, who spoke very much in 
thy praise ; said thou wast considered fully competent to teach the Latin and Greek 
languages, and gave his opinion that thou wouldst make out very well in the Acad- 
emy. It is a frequent fault with mankind to overvalue their abilities, but I think 
thee underrates thine. I can assure thee thou art regarded as a paragon by the 
students of this school, and I believe thou art by our teachers also. The young 
man who wrote the letter I have just referred to, observed that "the learned feared 
yet loved thee.' I have not mentioned these circumstances to flatter thee, but I 
want thou shouldst duly appreciate thy abilities." 

Some time after a friend wrote : 

" Guess what I have heard about you since I have been in this place. Why, 
that you have the name of being the best reader in the United States. Don't let 
it make you vain." 

In 1822, at the earnest solicitation of John Gummere, 
Mr. Aaron returned to Burlington, and again taught for 

Mr. G . He was there until 1824, when he married 

Emilia, eldest daughter of his old friend and preceptor, Rev. 
U. Du Bois, and not long after that event he left Burlington 
and opened a day school at Bridge Point, about two miles 
from Doylestown. 

Remaining there but a short time, he next became princi- 
pal of Doylestown Academy, and was there for a year or two. 

Upon his return to Burlington he was offered an excel- 
lent position in Philadelphia, but declined, because he was too 
independent to be under the control of others. He now de- 
cided to study law, and many of his friends were willing to aid 
him, as they were desirous that he should make the law his 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. J 

profession. One of his intimate friends in Philadelphia, who 
was deeply interested in the matter, sent him the following 
letter: 

"Philadelphia, December 3, 1826. 
Dear Samuel. — Your letter of the 31st ult. came to-day. I rejoice in the 
adoption of your present resolution. It has always appeared to me, and I hope 
my views were correct, that the frame of your mind was better adapted to law, and 
that law would be more in unison with your taste than the drudgery of disciplin- 
ing youth, and I exhort you to go on with the law. Let me not hear of your 
mind's repenting after you begin. Think not, until you have given the law a full 
experiment, of returning to teaching. You know your own powers. When you 
have deliberately determined, destroy the bridge that you cannot recross. * * * 
It makes my heart sick, such is my interest in you, to think of your longer delay- 
ing. The time passed in teaching has grounded you well in science, and where 
that is, the superstructure may be lofty. *.**-_ If you are in haste to become 
a lawyer, you can study a year in Burlington, another here, and gain admission to 
Common Pleas. * * * I believe I have answered all your questions. Should 
you embrace the law as a profession, you shall receive the most strenuous aid of 
your friend; and think not this will be a one-sided connection. If you avail 
yourself of my books and office, I want you to become my preceptor, and give me 
instruction in the Greek language, one hour each week. I can advise you in 
legal pursuits, and after you have passed two years in the novitiate, Mr. Chauncey 
will introduce you to the court. 

Yours sincerely, J. R. VY." 

Previous to the receipt of the letter quoted above, Mr. 
Aaron wrote to a friend, as follows : 

" There is much truth and force in the views you offer with respect to our 
scheme, and I will consider them well. Perhaps after all it may be im- 
practicable for me ever to change my avocation as a teacher. If so, my oppor- 
tunities here for acquiring information are superior to what they could be there; 
and I trust that with the industry I am now using, and which I do most seriously 
mean to continue, I will be able after a while to engage in something better than 
my present business with a fairer prospect of success. It is a question worth con- 
sidering whether I am really fitted for conducting the education of youth. I 
speak of it in its widest sense. Those parents, whose children I should prefer, 
would hardly think so. It is not my own pecuniary interest I am to consider ; it 
behooves me to regard seriously the circumstances of those placed under my care 
as affected by that relation with me." 

Always a youth of pure morals and exemplary habits, 
Mr. Aaron, in the year 1826, made a profession of religion, 
and became a member of the Baptist church, at Burlington, 
N. J. Some months after that he gave up the idea of becom- 
ing a lawyer; was ordained as a minister, and in 1828 be- 
came pastor of the church at New Britain, Pa. 



8 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

He retained the position but a year, when he felt obliged 
to resign on account of his arduous duties as a teacher, being 
at that time principal of the Doylestown Academy. He feared 
that he could not go as well prepared as he wished to the 
pulpit; but the church was unwilling to give him up. An 
aged Baptist minister wrote for his encouragement: 

" I do know, or think I know, that the friends at New Britain have always 
been satisfied and more than satisfied with thy sermons; they have been edified 
and often enraptured. Don't relinquish preaching, my brother; the Lord is 
always ready to direct and assist by his spirit and influence. He hath said : Lo, 
I am with you always," etc. 

In February, 1830, Mr. Aaron's wife died, and three 
years after, in April, 1833, he married Eliza G., daughter of 
Samuel Currie, a farmer of New Britain Township. Immedi- 
ately after his marriage he started on a tour, extending 
through several of the Western states, with the intention of 
settling there if he found a place to suit him. But just after 
leaving home he was met by John Gummere and Charles 
Atherton, who persuaded him to give up his plan of finding 
a home in the West, and settle in Burlington, N. J., when he 
returned from his trip. 

In connection with Charles Atherton, he took charge of 
the Burlington High School, formerly kept by John Gummere. 
In a year or two Mr. Aaron became sole principal, and the 
school attained a very flourishing condition. In addition to 
conducting this large school, he was for five years pastor of 
the Burlington Baptist church. At this time he wrote to a 
friend: 

" I am likely to have my hands full of labors and my mind of cares of the 
most weighty kind; for, in addition to the school, the little church here needs the 
service of somebody that will work for nothing and find himself. The morality of 
a great many in Burlington is more unexceptionable than common; and that the 
religion of the place might become more animated and more general is my fervent 
desire." 

His school was highly recommended by the New Jersey 
Baptist Association as one likely to afford candidates for the 
ministry; the best preparations in the shortest time. This 
institution was under the direction of the Central Education 
Board, appointed by a convention formed out of the Baptist 
churches in the middle states. "In December, 1834," so the 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. 9 

minutes of the Association stated, "Rev. Samuel Aaron and 
Rev. H. K. Green were engaged as professors in the Burling- 
ton Seminary. Theological students were received at seventy- 
five dollars per annum, which included board and tuition." 
In 1836 there was a minute again commending the Burling- 
ton Institute. 

In 1837 Mr. Aaron was asked to take charge of Had- 
dington College, but declined the proposition in the following 
words : 

" Having reflected on the subject pretty fully since I saw you, I beg leave 
to say that no inducement of which I am at all aware would move me to leave my 
present situation for a similar employment. Here I am not under the control of 
others; elsewhere it might be different; as I am, merit or demerit is awarded as 
it deserves ; the caprice of individuals might modify that result in a public school. 
Besides, I have now a fine school of about seventy scholars, which should not, I 
think, be rashly left for an uncertainty." 

At another time he says : 

" As to the bestowal of gratuitous education upon young men, very few, in 
my opinion, possessing good talents and noble principles, would accept of it. I 
hardly dare speak my views of academic education in this age of splendid theories 
and multiplied experiments. The judicious and conscientious instructor of a human 
creature will certainly regard him. as a moral, rational and corporeal being, and be- 
stow upon his heart, mind and body respectively a due proportion of attention. 
The first of these departments of his labor will receive his greatest and most con- 
stant care. As the mother minds her tottering babe not to punish its missteps 'but 
to prevent its fall, so will the good teacher incessantly watch over his youthful 
charge not to detect and chastise but to prevent obliquity of principle. He will use 
his utmost exertions to preserve them from vicious associations, knowing that the 
heart of youth, like the heated wax, receives and long retains the likeness of what 
impresses it. Above all, the most important part of an academic education is to 
have a teacher who lives as one that expects to bear a scrutiny that regards moral 
principles only, and not the rational or physical powers except as the used or abused 
instruments of the soul. Truth and frankness on the part of pupils towards their 
preceptor will follow the use of such means, and he may with reason expect their 
manhood to be crowned with virtue and their immortality with happiness. To a 
young American the most important mental acquirement is, in my humble opinion, 
a thorough knowledge of our own strong and beautiful language, to which all other 
early studies, classical and scientific, should be regarded as merely subsidiary. For 
the master spirits of the world are not those whose skill in science has made earth, 
sea and air pay tribute to the intellectual and corporeal wants of man, but those 
whose tongues and pens have thrown light and heat upon his soul, and thus en- 
abled it to know and enjoy the rights, the virtues and the glorious hopes which its 
author has bestowed." 



IO REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

While living in Burlington Mr. Aaron frequently delivered 
public addresses upon questions of reform and lectures upon 
scientific subjects, thus manifesting that capacity for varied and 
exacting labor and that disposition for extended usefulness 
which so eminently distinguished him during his entire career. 

In 1836 he was presented with a handsome silver plate, 
bearing this inscription, "To the Rev. Samuel Aaron, from a 
few friends, who have derived much profit and pleasure from 
his lectures in Natural Philosophy, before the Burlington Ly- 
ceum, 1836." 

In April, 1841, Mr. Aaron was called to take charge of 
the Norristown Baptist Church, at the same time re-opening 
a select school for boys formerly kept by VVm. M. Hough. 
The Burlington Gazette, May, 1841, says: 

" On the last evening of Mr. Aaron's residence in Burlington, he took his 
leave of the community at a temperance meeting held in the hall of the Lyceum, 
which was crowded to such an extent that many were unable to obtain scats. Of 
his remarks on that occasion, I shall say nothing. The impression made was too 
deep to be embodied here, and will long be remembered by those who heard 
him. His removal from Burlington is felt by many to be a loss not easily to be 
repaired," &c. 

Soon after moving to Norristown, Mr. Aaron was asked 
to take charge of the Academy there, and he removed his 
school to that time-honored building. While teaching here 
he was violently set upon in his school-room by two ruffians, 
of whom one stood with a cane uplifted to prevent rescue, 
while the other brutally beat him for some pretended personal 
offense contained in a recent temperance address. Mr. Aaron 
at the time holding non-resistant views, with wonderful self- 
control, like his Master, stood silent before his assailants. 
For this offence they were arrested, convicted, and condemned 
to pay a fine and short imprisonment. 

February 10, 1842, Mr. Aaron, in connection with Rev. 
I. N. Hobart, started a newspaper, "The Truth." In that we 
find these words : 

"We intend then to plead for the dumb, because he is dumb, and maintain 
in our humble sphere the rights of the oppressed of every class; to rebuke sins by 
their right names," etc. 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. I I 

Mr. Aaron's popularity at this time as a champion of 
temperance and anti-slavery, and also as a teacher, was such 
that the way was prepared for the erection of "Treemount 
Seminary," which was effected in 1844, and in December the 
school was opened. 

Having resigned the pastorate of the church, he now de- 
voted himself with all the energy of his nature to the establish- 
ment of a school for young men, which became famous 
throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, not only 
for the number of its pupils, but for the scholarship, skill and 
ability of its principal, and the thoroughness of the instruction 
afforded to its students. 

From this time, for a period of twelve or fourteen years, 
this school often contained during a session one hundred and 
twenty boarders, and as many as sixty day scholars. During 
this period, many of the most eminent soldiers, civilians and 
scholars of the country were partly or fully trained within its 
classic walls. Mr. Aaron's motto was "Let us be true"; and 
the only things he would not tolerate in his pupils was deceit 
and plain falsehood. His last words to an intimate friend, 
when leaving Burlington, were, "Let us be true"; and his 
friend wrote him long afterwards, that he often thought of 
those words, and tried to live by them. Many of his pupils, 
years after they had left his school, wrote to him, expressing 
their sincere gratitude for his kindness to them, and spoke of 
their school days, while under his care, as the happiest years 
of their life. One of them, who became a soldier in the Union 
army, said to a friend, "I did not like Mr. Aaron when I first 
entered his school; but before leaving there, I became so at- 
tached to him, that I would have fought for him." Another 
wrote to Mr. Aaron: "I can never forget the first words that 
fell from your lips at family worship the morning after I ar- 
rived at Treemount, — 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning 
of wisdom.'" Still another: "Permit me to assure you of my 
highest regard and affection. I have ever traced my anti- 
slavery convictions to your influence upon me in boyhood; 
and in later years, have often longed to see you face to face, 
and enjoy your friendship and counsel. When I have wit- 
nessed the general defection in the ranks of the professedly 



I 2 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Christian ministry from practical Christianity and human 
brotherhood, your life and example have often seemed to me 
green oases amid the Sahara of profession. Your reward is 
sure." 

Many of his pupils, through his influence and example, 
became earnest and useful ministers of the Gospel. One, who 
is now an Episcopal clergyman, in writing to a friend not long 
since, says, "What a world of memories crowd upon my mind, 
as I think of 'Treemount,' and the happy days there. I have 

been in Mount Holly at church several times since Mr. 

Aaron's death, and have nearly always visited his grave. I 
feel much indebted to him for his goodness to me." 

A former pupil now living in New Jersey said lately that 
when he was a school boy at Norristown he had seen Mr. 
Aaron give what he felt sure was all the money he had about 
him to a poor fugitive slave, and then forward him to the next 
station, on the under-ground railroad. Some time after Mr. 
Aaron moved to Norristown, he with several other lecturers 
was asked to deliver an address on temperance in Philadel- 
phia. He accepted the invitation, and accompanied by a num- 
ber of friends went to the meeting. A handsome carriage 
had been provided for those who were to speak, and Mr. 
Aaron was asked to ride with the others. He replied: "No, 
I will walk with the delegation from Norristown." So the 
carriage passed on with the vacant seat, and he walked after 
it. He would not fare better than his friends: if they were 
obliged to walk, he would go with them. The relator of this 
little incident, by the way, said that the speech delivered that 
day by Mr. Aaron was the best address on temperance he 
ever heard. Many persons can no doubt remember his devo- 
tion to the temperance cause; his words of earnest entreaty; 
his scathing denunciation of the sin of intemperance; his tears 
of pity for the fallen. At the time when social drinking was 
universal and popular, he boldly branded it as a burning sin. 
His invectives against rumsellers were unsparing, and yet 
many of them sent their sons to his school, and some re- 
mained during the vacation, that they might be under his in- 
fluence. 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. I 3 

Becoming- involved in the financial crisis of 1857, through 
endorsements for a friend who failed for a large amount, Mr. 
Aaron gave up Treemount to his creditors, abandoned the 
pleasant home which his taste and enterprise had beautified 
and adorned and where he had anticipated passing the re- 
mainder of his days, and in May, 1859, accepted a call to the 
pastorship of the Baptist church at Mount Holly, N. J. The 
best years of his life had been spent at Norristown, and it was 
a bitter trial to him to leave there, seek a new home, and begin 
life anew. He gave freely of his time and money to advance 
the interests of the people there, and he left behind him a 
number of sincere friends. 

A warm welcome awaited him at Mount Holly, and he 
found himself among kind friends. A letter written by him 
on May 28, 1859, to friends at home, says: 

" Everything looks as bright and promising just now [as to this Mount Holly 
enterprise] as the face of earth and sky this beautiful morning; and yet, perhaps, 
both are equally uncertain. A church meeting so unanimous and hearty as that 
which has called me hither all agree that they never before witnessed, and pros- 
pects for a school brighten every day." 

Later he writes: 

" My heart yearns to see you all, and I feel hardly able to endure another 
week of absence. I am loved and honored here too much ; crowds flock to my 
ministry, and every heart and home seem open and glad to entertain me. A new 
world is spread out before me, and nothing seems wanting to my felicity but the 
presence of my dear ones, the payment of my debts, and the conversion of souls. 
I am reminded of the first of my ministry at New Britain, and can hardly help 
feeling that I am young again. Next Sabbath morning I hope to address a dis- 
course to all persons under afflictions and trials. My late sermons have aimed 
to explain the relations and duties of pastors and people. Everything has been 
received with enthusiasm." 

In a letter of June 28th he says: 

" I am still too well used, too much flattered, and too much admired. It 
makes me feel humble and ashamed." 

In September, 1859, Mr. Aaron's family removed to 
Mount Holly, and the Mount Holly Institute was opened for 
the reception of students, Mr. Aaron and his son being the 
principals, and the school obtained a liberal patronage. As 



14 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

an instructor of youth, Mr. Aaron was equalled by few in the 
energy of his devotion to the work and in his success in in- 
spiring- his pupils with his own enthusiasm in the pursuit of 
knowledge. Among the three thousand, and upwards, who 
sat, from first to last, under his instructions, it is believed that 
not one could point to an act of injustice on his part. His 
pupils never failed to love and respect him, and many of them 
sorrowed over the tidings of his death, much after the manner 
and depth of children over the loss of a parent. As a minister 
of the Gospel, he had little regard for human creeds, and never 
allowed himself to be governed by the conventionalities and 
technicalities of the "divinity schools." He excelled as an 
expository preacher. He unfolded the meaning of the sacred 
writers with master skill, and impressed the sacred lessons 
taught by happy illustrations, which fastened them upon the 
memory and heart. It was his custom on Sunday mornings 
to take up a topic, and often finish it in the evening. Toward 
the last, he had taken the incidents in the life of our Saviour 
in their order of time, following him step by step to the end 
of life. On Sunday evenings he delivered a course of lectures 
on the prophecies that relate to the nations surrounding the 
Hebrews, which were intensely interesting and impressive and 
full of valuable information. On Wednesday evenings the 
Psalms were taken up in their order, the sixty-ninth being the 
last that was explained. His last sermon had for its text the 
words, " By love serve one another." He took fearless hold 
of the slavery question, and drew multitudes of both friends 
and enemies to hear him in advocacy of human rights. 

During his residence in Mount Holly, his time was fully 
occupied in teaching, preaching, visiting the members of his 
church and congregation; also, the sick and dying. To the 
latter class he was always welcome, as he never spoke harshly 
to them of their sins, but would talk kindly to them and pray 
for them, and entreat them to come to Christ. He was a man 
of the tenderest sympathy; very fond of children, and enjoyed 
talking to them and drawing out their ideas upon different 
subjects. 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. I 5 

Mr. Aaron received numerous calls to churches in New 
England, the Western and Middle states. He was warmly- 
attached to the people of Mount Holly, and refused to leave 
them when offered a larger salary elsewhere. The last winter 
of his life was peaceful and happy; nothing occurred to trouble 
or grieve him. He was preparing a work on mathematics, 
which he hoped would meet with favor, but it was not com- 
pleted. He frequently spoke of writing his life for his chil- 
dren, but could not spare the time from other duties to carry 
out his intentions. During his last illness he took an interest 
in all that was taking place at home and abroad, and insisted 
upon having the daily newspapers read to him, that he might 
know the latest war news. To those who took charge of him 
through the night he would explain verses in the Bible, if per- 
mitted to do so. Not long before his death he requested that 
one of the windows in his room might be opened wide so that 
he could look out "at the glory of the heavens." It was a 
lovely morning in the Spring, his favorite season; the sun was 
just rising, and after looking earnestly at the sky, his eyes 
turned towards the trees and grass which looked so fresh and 
green, he said, " How beautiful are all of God's works." 
Upon hearing that Richmond had fallen and Lee surrendered, 
he exclaimed, "Thank God! I rejoice in the salvation of my 
country." His last words were addressed to the Divine 
Being to whom he had committed the keeping of his soul in his 
youth, — "Thy grace is sufficient for me." On the evening of 
April 11, 1865, surrounded by his sorrowing family and a few 
friends, " he fell asleep." Upon his face there rested an ex- 
pression of perfect peace; and all who looked upon him, felt 
that his long struggle with error and sin was at last ended; 
the battle had been fought, and he had won the victory. 

His funeral services were attended on the Saturday fol- 
lowing in the Baptist church at Mount Holly. The house 
was crowded, and many were unable to obtain admittance. 
The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Wm. S. Hall, of 
Philadelphia, from the text, Job vn, 16: "I would not live 
always." A marble monument, erected by the Baptist church 
of Mount Holly, marks his last resting place in Mount Holly 



I 6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Cemetery, and a memorial window has been placed in the 
church where he labored so faithfully the last six years of his 
life. 

"And as a bird each fond endearment tries 
To tempt its new-fledged offspring to the skies, 
He tried each art, reproved each dull delay, 
Allured to brighter worlds, and led the way." 



SERMONS 



i Cor. xi : 26. — " As often as ye eat this bread, and 

DRINK THIS CUP, YE DO SHEW THE LORD'S DEATH UNTIL HE 
COME." 

I. The design of the institution of the Lord's Supper. 

II. The qualifications necessary for attendance. 

1. The institution of this ordinance most strongly proves 
that our Lord Jesus Christ was what he professed to be : that 
he was endued with prophetic power, because he clearly dis- 
cerned, and in instituting this ordinance set forth, his death ; to 
which he voluntarily submitted, in order to procure that salva- 
tion for his people, which he promises through the shedding 
of his blood for the remission of sins ; voluntarily, because 
there was nothing to hinder his escaping from the hands of 
his enemies. Our Lord Jesus Christ was, therefore, what he 
professed to be, and not a most wicked and shameless impos- 
tor (as many of his pretended admirers would make him, 
without seeming to intend it, by robbing him of his Divine 
attributes), for no such shameless impostor, however much he 
may love sin, is disposed also to court infamy, and seek by a 
public and ignominious death to render himself the abomina- 
tion of mankind. 

2. This celebration is a standing memorial of the awful but, 
to saints, delightful truth, that our Lord Jesus Christ will come to 
judge the world, as says the text, "till he come." To unbelievers 
it speaks a loud memento. That same Jesus declares, by the per- 
petuation of this ordinance, that you shall see him, even every 



I 8 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

eye; and they that pierced him ; and they and you shall wail be- 
cause of him, and your hearts, and spirits, and daring and cour- 
age, shall be broken as was his sacred body; your souls and 
theirs shall be poured out in vain agony, as was his holy soul, 
when he cried out in agony, with your sins upon him, " My God, 
my God, why hast thou forsaken me." It is true, that should 
this celebration cease ; should Christians become unfaithful to 
their loving, and expiring Lord ; should they misunderstand (as 
we fear many do) or neglect their duty, and lose their glorious 
privilege, and this heaven-ordained remembrance no more bear 
testimony to the word of God — still, God that cannot lie, and 
Jesus Christ, the amen, faithful and true, would be found un- 
failing, for he has not made his coming to depend upon his 
people's celebration of his death ; still, the trumpet would 
sound — the dead be raised — the living changed — the great 
white throne descend — the Judge would sit — and heaven, 
earth, and hell, await his final and omnipotent award. But, 
unbelievers, though this grand event is infinitely more certain 
than the perpetuation of this dying feast of our Jesus, sup- 
pose you consider it only as parallel in probability with that 
circumstance, and can you, dear dying friends, can you be in- 
different to your fate depending ? Is it at all probable that the 
followers of Jesus, think you, will neglect this ordinance? Are 
you not greatly shocked, when you behold any one approach, 
and eat or drink at this table unworthily, in the midst of care- 
less, notorious sins, appealing to the searcher of hearts, and 
publicly saying by such participation, " lam a sincere believer 
in the Lord Jesus Christ, so help me God ?" Does this in 
another shock you ? And will you not view this oft-repeated 
celebration as a beacon to warn, to direct, and to save your- 
selves ? O, mistaken charity, that frets over faithless Christians, 
and leaves its own work undone ! its best interests and hopes 
forgotten ! But, believers, true friends of Jesus, the design of 
this institution is, in relation to this coming of your Lord 
and Master, to afford you ineffable, and glorious consolation. 
Are you pious enough, hearers, to look for this event with 
joy ? Can you, with the first followers of Jesus (while devils 
believe, and tremble, and with all their past agonies still deem 
this last day of time the first moment of their fall), can you 



SERMONS. 1 9 

lift up your heads with joy, that the coming of your Lord 
draweth nigh ? In view of a dissolving universe, the great 
apostle said at the hour of his departure, " I know in whom I 
have believed, and am persuaded that he will keep that which 
I have committed to him until that day." Alas, Christian 
hearers, do you sometimes wish, and almost pray, that there 
might be substituted a day less awful, and a judge less severe? 
O, repent, repent ; and seek faith enough to reply to him that 
says " Behold, I come quickly ; amen ; even so ; come, 
Lord Jesus." 

3. This ordinance is an affecting, visible pledge of Christ's 
love to his followers. Those were words of distinguished and 
distinguishing mercy that Jehovah spake by the prophet Isaiah, 
" I am the Lord thy God, the Holy one of Israel, thy Saviour; 
I gave Egypt for thy ransom ; Ethiopia and Seba for thee." " I 
have loved thee ; therefore will I give men for thee, and people 
for thy life." Yes, murmur, you that debate and dispute with 
God, that he gave idolatrous Egypt, polluted Canaan, and proud 
Babylon, for his humble and injured people; then turn to the 
communion table and behold his people commemorating the 
gift of his own son, the immaculate Lamb of God, and what will 
you object ? He gave his enemies for his friends ; and that you 
said was cruel ! He gives his friend, the darling of his bosom, 
for his enemies; awakes his sword against his fellow, and the 
man that is his equal ; and will you but gaze, wonder a moment, 
and then perish forever ? Say what you will, it is a visible and 
most affecting pledge of love divine, of love that none but God 
could feel ; that none but God in human form could display. 
Will any man dare decide that Jehovah was mistaken in de- 
termining that nothing but the everlasting death of sinners, or 
the temporary sufferings and death of his equal son, was suffi- 
cient to satisfy the claims of his law ? And if he should, will he 
deny that it was matchless love, that induced our Lord and Savi- 
our of his own accord, cheerfully, to lay down his life for his per- 
ishing enemies? He that dares this, can hazard anything! 
Souls with him are playthings ; immortality a bauble ; eternity 
and omnipotence, a mockery. But is that man here ? If he 
is, let him bear me witness, that he is warned once more. But 
if none such, then why, oh why, do you fail and heedlessly 



20 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

neglect to eat of this bread, and drink of this cup, and shew 
the Lord's death until he come ; and openly acknowledge and 
subscribe, this visible, affecting pledge, of the love of our dying 
Lord? 

4. But another design of the Lord's Supper, is to improve 
and strengthen Christians in the Divine life, and cause them to 
grow in grace. This conclusion is very palpable, from the 
natural and scriptural interpretation of the symbols, that is from 
the meaning indicated, by the use of bread and wine. Our 
Lord says to his followers, " Labor not for the meat, that per- 
isheth," &c. — John vi : 27, 48. Now, there is no public, Christ- 
ian ordinance, so solemn, and so important to believers, as this 
visible indication of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, this 
confidence in his body and blood as the food of their souls. 
It is incontrovertibly manifest, from what has been read, that 
men only live forever by faith, in the Son of God. " He that 
eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I 
in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the 
Father, so he that eateth me, shall live by me." As sure as 
God exists, Christ exists ; and there is the same certainty of 
immortality and glory to every persevering believer. And as 
he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh 
judgment or damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's 
body, and so profaning holy things ; so, certainly, he that being 
prepared to discern the Lord's body, eats of this bread and 
drinks of this cup, feeds on that bread that has come down 
from heaven. As respects man, then, it seems to be the principal 
design of the Lord's Supper, to promote his growth in grace, 
and constantly to renew his spiritual strength. Behold, then, 
believer, and admire the precious provision made for thee, in 
the person (prepared like bread) of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
The cup, which you with right preparation participate, is the 
communion, or participation of the blood of Christ ; and the 
bread that is broken, is the communion of the body of Christ. 
And that your soul has life and health from such participa- 
tion, is as sure as that a child has growth and strength from 
needful food and drink ; nor is the one more or less mysteri- 
ous than the other. A person may partake of the most 
wholesome food and drink, and yet his digestive powers be so 



SERMONS. 2 I 

impaired as to fail entirely to separate from it the essential 
nutriment, and appropriate it to its proper use, for the support 
and comfort of his natural body, so that disease and death 
may be the consequence ; and in like manner may one par- 
take unfitly of the emblems at the communion table, his soul 
not discerning the Lord's body; that is, not assimilating to 
itself that spiritual, heavenly, immortal nutriment that Jesus 
prepared by the sacrifice of himself. If all this be true (and 
surely the half has not been told), then does it become of vast 
moment that every communicant should have the essential 
qualification, which come therefore in the second and last 
place to be considered. 

1. It is believed by most judicious and learned divines 
that Scripture baptism is essential to a proper participation in 
this ordinance, inasmuch as no countenance is afforded in the 
New Testament, nor in the early practice of the churches, of a 
contrary conclusion. But some good men deem the initiatory 
rite of baptism immaterial, at least unimportant. As it does 
not so materially affect the practical objects at present in view, 
I shall waive the further consideration of these points on this 
occasion. 

2. But in the second place, surely an open, credible 
profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is essential to 
communion at this table. I do not say a positive assurance 
of faith, and a hope eminently confirmed by experience, for 
this would preclude the very first approach of every mortal ; 
but a reasonable persuasion in the person's own mind, as well 
as in the minds of others of unmixed faith, and humble con- 
fidence in the Lord Jesus Christ; such as is the result of much 
fervent prayer for Divine aid and illumination ; and of impar- 
tial, laborious self examination. 

3. Christ in this ordinance is to be regarded with admira- 
tion and awe. These emotions of the soul cannot but be roused 
in every thoughtful person by every attribute pertaining to the 
character of our glorious Lord. " Beside the incomprehensible 
mysteries of his original character," says Dr. Dwight, " his in- 
carnation, his life, his death, his love for mankind, his propitia- 
tory sacrifice of himself, his resurrection, his exaltation, his inter- 
cession, are all marvelous beyond measure, and are investigated 



2 2 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

by angels with astonishment and rapture/' Hence his character 
is declared by the prophet Isaiah and summed up by himself, 
when he appeared to Manoah and his wife, in the title " won- 
derful." This extraordinary character, combined of all that is 
great and good, is exhibited in the most touching manner at the 
communion table, and demands of us the highest exercise of 
religious admiration. This exercise of the Christian spirit is 
formed by the union of wonder, reverence and delight; wonder 
excited by the greatness of the things which are done; rever- 
ence for the exalted character displayed in doing them ; and de- 
light in the manifestations which they contain of mercy and 
goodness and in the benefits flowing from them, to the count- 
less multitude of the children of God. At this table the whole 
character of Christ is brought before our eyes. We behold him 
here, in the act of giving his life a ransom for many. Again 
his body is broken; again his blood is poured out for the sins 
of men. His compassion for this sinful world is presented to 
us in living colors. We cannot fail to remember who it was 
that thus loved us, and gave himself for us. We cannot but 
remember that he who was the Brightness of the Father's 
Glory, and the express image of his person, and upheld all 
things by the word of his power, by himself purged our sins, 
and then sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. 
We cannot but call to mind that by him whom we here follow 
to the cross, all things were created that are in heaven, and 
that are in earth, visible and invisible ; whether they be thrones 
or dominions, principalities or powers ; that all things were 
created by him, and for him ; that he is before all things, and 
by him all things consist. We cannot fail to recollect 
that he is now head over all things to the Church ; having a 
name above every name in this world, or in the world to come, 
reigning in a kingdom which is an everlasting kingdom, and 
ruling with a dominion which shall know no end. We can- 
not fail to realize that the day is approaching, in which he will 
come in the clouds of Heaven, with power and great glory ; 
with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God 
will summon the dead from their graves ; will sit on the throne 
of judgment and pronounce the final doom of angels and 
of men ; while from his face the Heavens and the earth will 



SERMONS. 23 

flee away ; and no place be found for them any more. This 
is the " Wonderful" person whose sacrifice of himself is sym- 
bolized, or set forth by figures on the altar of Christians ; 
whom we there behold bleeding, broken, dying and consigned 
to the grave. This condescension was exercised, this humili- 
ation undergone, for the love wherewith he loved the church, 
and gave himself for it. Who that has any share of the heav- 
enly spirit, can fail to exclaim in union with the heavenly host, 
" Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and 
riches, and wisdom and strength, and honor and glory, and 
blessing ; for he hath redeemed us to God by his blood ; out 
of every kindred and tongue, and people and nation ; and hath 
made us kings and priests unto God, even his Father. To 
him be Glory and Dominion forever and ever, Amen!' 

4. We should approach this table with feelings ^/"profound- 
est gratitude. In every nation, and in every clime, the feel- 
ing of gratitude has been manifested with universal approba- 
tion towards those who have been considered promoters of the 
common weal, or benefactors of mankind. Even many that mere- 
ly illustrated and adorned humanity with their wit and genius ; 
and not a few who with bloody ambition became the whole- 
sale butchers of our race, and destroyers of nations, have been 
held up to the grateful remembrance of future generations. 
Painting and sculpture, and immortal poetry, have borne their 
names and honors on to distant ages, and invoked and secured 
for them the gratitude and homage of mankind. Yet few of 
these admired children of Fame, were free from the grossest 
vices ; such as would render their influence and presence bane- 
ful in private domestic life. Their career of public glory and 
benevolence, nothing but selfishness, promoted and ennobled 
by commanding talents and fortunate circumstances. Com- 
pared as to their motives, their persons, or their achievements, 
with the Lord Jesus Christ, they appear like a rush-light in 
presence of the sun. The benevolence that they really pos- 
sessed flowed from his infinite fullness into their hearts, as all 
the real benefactors of mankind have testified ; the beneficence 
they practised he empowered them to perform. But his be- 
nevolence was infinitely free and disinterested ; and his bene- 
ficence wide as the universe. The scattered rays of boundless 



24 REV. SAMUEL AAROX. 

love and mercy were concentrated and clustered round his 
sacred person on the cross ; presenting a scene of intense and 
infinite splendor ; claiming (and yet to receive) from heaven, 
earth and hell, their chief and their eternal admiration, and 
from his own redeemed their boundless gratitude. Towards 
this absorbing gratitude our souls are led when we approach 
the sacramental table. We stood on perdition's crumb- 
ling verge ; we infinitely needed the deliverance, by such a 
sacrifice. We believed it not. We wished not; much less 
asked for a deliverer. There was no eye to pity, no arm to 
save. At that awful period, unsolicited, undesired, unwel- 
comed ; to be rejected, insulted, mocked, outraged and mur- 
dered; this benefactor came, threw himself into the breach 
between us and hell. In infinite madness we rushed upon 
him, as if to push him into it and follow ; but he was too 
strong and too kind ; he snatched us from its blading jaws, 
and has brought us to his house and to his table this day, to 
commemorate his love and our deliverance. When he did so 
God said concerning us, " Deliver them from going down to 
the pit, for I have found a ransom." The guilt of our sins 
was washed away in the blood of Jesus. The gates of hell, 
to all his humble followers he closed forever. The door of 
heaven he opened with his own hand ; plucked out the sting 
of death ; and destroyed the victory of the grave, and from 
that gloomy mansion opened in his own person,- a safe and 
cheerful path to the world of immortal glory; whither he hath 
ascended to prepare a place for each of his sons and daugh- 
ters. There on a throne of majesty and mercy, high and lifted 
up, he intercedes for them, and to them he calls from that 
happy world. Listen to his comforting words, " He that over- 
cometh shall inherit all things ; and I will be his God and he 
shall be my son." " And God shall wipe away all tears from 
their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, 
nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain ; for the 
former things are passed away." " And there shall be no 
night there and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, 
for the Lord God giveth them light, and they shall reign for 
ever and ever." 



SERMONS. 



Mark xii. 34 : " Thou art not far from the King- 
dom of God." 

An address to the thoughtful is my object on the present 
occasion ; and I know not how such may be more appropri- 
ately addressed, than by saying to each one of them, <4 Thou 
art not far from the kingdom of God." These were the terms 
in which Jesus Christ accosted a man, who showed in a con- 
versation between them, the character of thoughtfulness. 
Who, having heard the memorable reply of Christ to the ques- 
tion of the Pharisees and Herodians, " Shall we give tribute 
to Csesar ?" and having witnessed his confutation of the infidel 
Sadducees concerning the resurrection, accosted Jesus saying, 
"Which is the first commandment of all?" Meaning undoubt- 
edly " What is the substance of the Divine law ?" Upon the 
declaration of Christ, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, 
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, 
and with all thy strength — and thou shalt love thy neighbor as 
thyself;" the scribe fully and thoughtfully — if we may judge 
from his language — assented, and added this weighty com- 
ment, drawn'from an intelligent and thoughtful perusal of the 
scriptures ; such love " is more than all whole burnt offerings 
and sacrifices." Now it was believed, or at least pretended by 
some of the Jews, that the offering of sacrifices, especially of 
whole burnt sacrifices, was Jehovah's chief command, and of 
course, the most meritorious act that his worshipers could 
perform. But this scribe had read and understood the stern 
rebuke of the prophet Samuel to Saul, the disobedient and 
wayward King of Israel. " Hath the Lord as great delight in 
burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord. 
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the 
fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stub- 
bornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast re- 
jected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from 
being King." Which rebuke was given when Saul had pre- 



2 6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

served a few of Amalek's chief things, contrary to the Lord's 
command to make a splendid sacrifice to the Lord God. This 
scribe had understood the word of the Lord by Hosea, "I de- 
sired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more 
than burnt offerings." He remembered the awful, heart-search- 
ing, heartrending questions of the penitent soul in Micah's book, 
" Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself 
before the high God ? Shall I come before him with burnt 
offerings, with calves of a year old ? Will the Lord be pleased 
with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of 
oil ? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit 
of my body for the sin of my soul ?" He remembered the 
divine direction also, " He hath shewed thee, O man, what is 
good ; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do 
justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God ?" 
I say this scribe knew and seemed to feel the force of these 
and many other scriptures that might be cited, as appears from 
his remarks to Jesus, and this together with Christ's words to 
him, " Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God," shows 
that he was a serious, thoughtful man, and therefore warrants 
my appeal to my fellow mortals from this interesting passage, 
upon a state of mind which we either have now, or must have 
before we exist much longer. 

1. Let me solemnly direct your minds to some of the 
encouragements that connect themselves with a seriously and 
relig;iouslv thoughtful state of the soul. I. " Thou art not far 
from the Kingdom of God." So said Jesus to the scribe, and 
so trembling mortal he says to you. As the sea-tossed, storm- 
driven sailor, when the compass and the stars inform him that 
some safe shore is near, safe when reached, though guarded by 
furious breakers and threatening rocks, indulges the fearful 
hope that he shall reach it with life, though on a single plank, 
and makes a renewed and desperate effort at the pumps to keep 
his crazy ship afloat a little longer. So may the sin-sick wan- 
derer from God, with trembling, listen to the son of God, who 
says to him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." 

2. To be particular, and, if possible, pointedly instruct- 
ive. One encouragement is to be derived from your respect, 



SERMONS. 27 

like the Scribe, for the divine law. If you can say, "the law is 
holy, and the commandment holy, and just and good," it is an 
encouragement; some slight encouragement at least; for the 
time has been, hearer, if it is not now, when nothing was more 
indifferent to your feelings than the divine law; and faithful 
preachers know, by bitter experience, that if they want the 
friendship of this world, they must not bring Jehovah's holy 
law too near the consciences and the practices of their fellow 
men. But they know, too, as you feel, ye thoughtful, that 
heaven and earth shall pass away, sooner than one jot or one 
tittle of the law shall fail. And when you perceive that the 
Almighty and everlasting God has placed his life and his law 
side by side, as co-existent, and one to support and to sustain 
the other, as you who are thoughtful do feel, then your inter- 
est in this awful truth, your tremendous perception of re- 
sponsibility, forms some encouragement, that if there be any 
help for any soul, it maj^ be vouchsafed to you. For it is 
written: "To him will I look," &c. 

3. Your deep interest in the Holy Scriptures; your 
sense of your own depravity; your perfect self-hatred as a 
polluted wretch (not a hatred that leads you to desire your 
own ruin, but to wish yourself better than you are; holier, I 
mean; more like the holy God of the Scriptures); this is 
another feature of encouragement in your case; your full con- 
viction that you ought to go to perdition; your wonder that 
the all-wise and all-just God could have spared you so long; 
all constitute some faint encouragement at least; that if a ran- 
som may be had for any one, perhaps it may be paid for you. 
No man is so likely to try so much to prepare for trial before 
the God of mercy, as he who knows that he is guilty, and the 
law inflexible. 

4. Your belief that Jesus Christ is the Almighty Re- 
deemer, the only Saviour, able to save to the uttermost, given 
to save, and solemnly pledged to save the chief of believing 
sinners, your knowledge and belief of this, though far. from 
giving you any assurance of a happy interest in Christ, may, 
nevertheless, afford a gleam of encouragement to your almost 
despairing soul. For, why should that Saviour forbid to ap- 
proach him; one who feels that God is holy, just and true; 



28 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

that feels himself most justly and most necessarily condemned 
to eternal death, and who fully appreciates the sole merit of 
the Son of God, to redeem from even the curse of Jehovah's 
law? You feel, indeed, that he has power to do it, to reject; 
for God hath given him the power; that he has law to do it; 
for he is the administrator of the law; that he has justice to 
warrant it; but you may tremblingly hope that he has mercy 
to prevent it. I dare not state any encouragement too strongly 
at the peril of all our souls, but there is more encourage- 
ment to hope that a man fully conscious of laboring under a 
deadly disease, and knowing well of a near and compassionate 
and most skillful and unfailing physician, may be visited and 
cured by him, than one who rejects the physician as an im- 
postor, or feels that he needs him not. "The whole have no 
need of a physician, but they that are sick." 

5. The possibility that, how many lying spirits soever 
there may be, and certainly are, ready to deceive all they can, 
it is the Spirit of God that has moved you ; that has alarmed 
and convinced you; that has shown you what man must be; 
that would be righteous with his maker; that has disclosed to 
you without disguise the realities of the state to come; that 
has uncovered that perdition and revealed the adamantine 
chains and penal fire, and the wailing and gnashing of teeth; 
that are just one single step outside of death's door, to 
which all are rapidly hastening ; the possibility that the Holy 
Ghost has taught you all this, as his first stern lesson, that 
must be imparted to the redeemed on earth, and to all men in 
either time or eternity, affords some slight encouragement; as, 
that being his work, it shall be perfected in your eternal sal- 
vation. 

6. I was going, as the last ground of encouragement 
that occurred to my mind, to speak of the precious promises 
of scripture. But I dare not. Unconditional submission; yes, 
more; pure practical love to Jesus Christ are essentially ne- 
cessary to ensure an interest in the promises of heaven. " If 
any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema 
Maranatha, accursed when the Lord cometh." And how dare 
I, or any man, bless whom the Lord hath cursed? And has 
then all been said that can be said to encourage the thought- 



SERMONS. 29 

ful? I speak in regard to their present state — their hopes and 
expectations in their present circumstances. I believe, before 
the Lord, that nothing more encouraging ought to be said. I 
am only fearful, though not conscious, of having said too much. 

II. It remains then to say some serious things concern- 
ing the discouragements of the thoughtful. Here the preacher 
will be censured. Why discourage some beginning to think, 
some that we hope may think about their souls, by presenting 
the difficulties as insurmountable, and the aspect of religion as 
so gloomy and so forbidding, that the gay and the thought- 
less, and indeed all, must turn away from it in disgust? Some 
even of our brethren may slightly censure, to say no more ; 
and the world — this big, proud world, did they hear the 
preacher, and think him worth noticing at all — would rail. 
But, censure and rebuke, Christian brethren ; rail, thoughtless 
world, — Jesus Christ regarded neither one nor the other, swal- 
lowed none of his hard sayings, when the world said he had 
a devil, and the disciples, with few exceptions, determined to 
leave him. I believe that for one who is discouraged by the 
severest Bible truths from coming to Jesus Christ, that whole 
multitudes are induced, as professors or non-professors by un- 
scriptural encouragements, to cry peace when there is no 
peace, and walk with calm minds and lulled consciences down 
to the gates of death. "Follow me, with not where to lay my 
head ; take up your cross and follow me ; I send you forth as 
sheep in the midst of wolves ; they shall persecute you from 
city to city," were the words of Jesus Christ to his most dis- 
tinguished and, shall I not say, favorite followers. I will, 
therefore, under the awful sanction of his name and example, 
freely speak unto you, my dying fellow-men, of the discour- 
agements to which as thoughtful persons you are subject. 

1. The first discouragement is coincident with the first 
mentioned grounds of encouragement: the danger that all 
your apparent regard for Jehovah and his law may arise from 
slavish fear ; that you regard his might rather than his right, 
and tremble at his power more than you reverence his justice. 
Such were the necessary conclusions of Pharaoh, Nebuchad- 
nezzar and others who acknowledged his power. In going 



3<3 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

thus far you are only even with the fallen spirits. And it 
stands to reason that no man ever loved his father because he 
beat him. 

2. You are to be discouraged lest you look upon your- 
selves as rather unfortunate than guilty, and mourn with bit- 
terness over the hapless lot that has consigned you against 
your will to the cruel tyranny of an Almighty despot. "I 
know thee, that thou art an austere man," etc. As nothing 
on earth can be more miserable than a state of helpless, hope- 
less, interminable bondage; so with regard to God, to view 
him as an implacable and Almighty oppressor. 

3. Be discouraged lest you cherish the lingering hope 
of being saved for your tears, your convictions, and your peni- 
tence. Many a man is willing to make an agreement with God, 
to fast and pray, and punish himself. This is the religion of 
many benighted heathen, and of many self-called Christians ; 
but most better informed people are in danger of deceiving 
themselves with their past experience. 

4. The fact is discouraging that you are apt to wrest the 
Scriptures, which are become an interesting book to you, and 
you will be liable to speculate upon the mysteries of the divine 
oracles. There is likely to be much of this sort of instruction. 

5. The fact is discouraging that many Christians, and so 
called Christian ministers, will do much to lull your whole- 
some fears. They talk of the consent of millions. Oh ! the 
doom of such ! 

6. The most discouraging fact of all is the sad, sicken- 
ing sight of back-slidden seekers after Christ. The blossoms 
— the leaves — the fruit. The sad sight of apparent penitence, 
declined, cast off forever ! 

In conclusion, I will say that I have addressed myself to 
the thoughtful. If there are none such before me to-night, 
there ought to be. 

Note. — The latter part of this sermon was not written out fully ; there were 
only scant notes, and the publisher gives them just as they were written by Mr. 
Aaron. 



SERMONS. 3 1 



Refutation of the Sermon of Rev. H. J. Vandyke, Deliv- 
ered in Brooklyn in December, i860. 

"Do thyself no harm." — Acts xvi, 28. 

" Love thy neighbor as thyself." — Matt, xix, 19. 

" He that is greatest among you shall be your servant." 
Matt, xxiii, 11. 

" He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good ; and what 
doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love 
mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." — Micah vi, 8. 

" Ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and ye shall proclaim 
liberty throughout all the land to all the inhabitants thereof." 
Lev. xxv, 10. 

" Let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke." — Isa. 
Iviii, 6. 

" He that stealeth a man and selleth him, or if he be found 
in his hands, he shall surely be put to death." — Ex. xxi, 16. 

" Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant who 
is escaped from his master unto thee. He shall dwell with 
thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in 
one of thy gates where it liketh him best ; thou shalt not op- 
press him." — Deut. xxiii, 15, 16. 

I have quoted these words of Scripture in reply to the 
legion of pro-slavery preachers who mustered on the Presi- 
dent's fast day to torture that Divine Book into the defence of 
stealing men, scourging nude women, and selling infants by 
the pound, torn from their mothers' bosoms. These men and 
their admirers, beholding on every hand the nation's treasured 
millions wasted by public robbery, the nation itself bankrupt 
in money and running down in morals, have ever denounced 
all sermons against oppression and every national "organic" 
villainy as not fit to be uttered, as "political preaching," "a 
desecration of the sacred desk and holy day." But as soon as 
one-fourth of the nation's power had fallen into reformatory 



32 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

hands by a legal and constitutional vote ; as soon as traitors 
fn arms had begun to insult the nation's flag, to seize its trea- 
sures by force, and capture its forts and arsenals and men ; to 
torture and gibbet blameless Northern men ; to shave the 
heads and daub with tar and cotton the necks and bosoms of 
polished Northern women, the teachers of their children; and 
when the slow indignation of the North began to kindle at 
this, then politics became a holy cause, and the Vandykes and 
Vintons and Palmers and Thornwells, and all the herd, began 
straightway to preach and pray against the men and measures 
that stirred the ruffian traitors up, and to prove that reason, 
and scripture, and Christ, and God, were on the traitors' side. 

And now the men who could not bear that temperance, 
or politics, or any practical religion, should disturb the pulpit, 
have all turned sermon readers and tract distributors, and 
many of them totter about through town and country under 
the burden of Mr. Vandyke's sermon and something heavier, 
imploring all to study its divine, unanswerable truth. Like 
priest, like people. I feared they were hypocrites before ; 'tis 
hard to doubt it longer. But I thank them for tearing off the 
vail themselves, and so confessing by act their past hypocrisy. 

I stand here, then, to-day to refute the so-called sermon 
of Rev. Henry J. Vandyke ; and the task is already done, in 
substance, by the words I have quoted from prophets and 
apostles, and the Son of God. M God is love," says John the 
apostle. " Man's love to man" fulfills both law and prophets, 
was the teaching of Jesus Christ; and the disregarded oppres- 
sion of the poor and the crying of the needy are oftener threat- 
ened with the vengeance of God than all other sins together. 
So when Henry J. Vandyke, or any other man, entangles 
Scripture to make Jehovah a tormenting devil towards his 
weaker children, and to make him use the stronger portion of 
mankind as the agents of his bloody malice, — such teacher is 
blinded by ignorance, interest or prejudice; for Scripture can 
not contradict itself. The daring, perhaps unconscious, blas- 
phemy which sets God to mocking his own Ten Command- 
ments, is substantially refuted by the whole tenor of his word; 
still the habits of the world require that man should contend 
with man, even in vindicating heavenly truth. I attack, there- 



SERMONS. 33 

fore, in form, this vaunted champion of slavery, ancient and 
modern, who sees the prophets of God inaugurating a harsher 
system than that of Carolina, and Christ and his apostles ap- 
proving and enforcing the slavery of the Roman Empire, whose 
laws gave the master power to torture, cut to pieces, burn or 
crucify the innocent slave at will, and feed him to his fishes. 

The effort of Mr. Vandyke is honestly reduced to the fol- 
lowing proposition : " American slavery is sanctioned by the 
Almighty, because he established and enforced a harsher sys- 
tem of slavery among the Hebrews ; and because his son, Jesus 
Christ, and his apostles, saw and approved a far more cruel 
system among the heathen of their time. Therefore, to oppose 
American slavery tends to utter infidelity." 

I am sure that I present his position fairly, and any sober 
man that hears me to-day shall have an opportunity to put me 
right at some suitable time if I have erred. To substantiate 
this horrid dogma is the aim of Henry J. Vandyke ; of his 
success he boasts, and writes to a Southern secession Doctor 
of Divinity of the "amazing sensation" created by his sermon. 
To promote this end the thing has been multiplied by millions 
in papers and pamphlets in order to flood the land ; and it is 
said that in many places, and even in Mount Holly, industri- 
ous and willing colporteurs, drunk and sober, religious and 
profane, hawk it about as God's own voice sanctioning the 
traffic in human bodies and in human souls. This doctrine, 
therefore, I assail as false and blasphemous, tending to make 
the God of the Bible appear as a monster to every noble and 
thoughtful mind. 

" God sanctions American slavery," is the teaching of 
Henry J. Vandyke. What is American slavery? He does 
not tell us. Why? Because he dares not tell, either falsely 
or truly. Not falsely, for American law books would prove 
him a liar; not truly, for his very colporteurs would shrink 
from such blasphemy. Therefore he dodged the issue and set 
up a man of straw. But without definitions of the subject and 
the principles there can be neither reasonings nor proofs ; and 
so our champion has no arguments and reaches no conclusion. 

" God sanctions American slavery." What, then, is 
American slavery? I will tell you; not in my own arbitrary 



34 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

forms of speech, but in the words and thoughts of Christians, 
patriots and sages, and in the enactments and administration 
of the law. Mark the descriptions and definitions well. 
"American slavery is the sum of all villainies," said John 
Wesley, a Christian and a sage. " God has no attribute that 
can take part in its favor," taught Jefferson, our brightest and 
mcst suggestive statesman. Washington regarded it as the 
greatest blight upon his country, freed his slaves as soon as he 
could, and pledged his vote for the universal abolition of slav- 
ery in Virginia if such question could come up. And the il- 
lustrious Lafayette exclaimed in his riper years, " I never 
would have drawn my sword for America had I foreseen her 
continuance of slavery." 

" Slaves shall be deemed sold, taken, reputed and adjudged 
in law to be chattels personal" (that is, equivalent to beasts 
and movables) "in the hands of their owners, and their execu- 
tors and administrators, to all intents, construction and pur- 
poses whatever." — Law of South Carolina. 

The marriage of slaves " cannot produce any civil effect, 
because slaves are deprived of all civil rights." — Louisiana 
Courts. So slaves can be no more married than brute beasts 
can. 

" Slaves are generally considered not as persons but as 
things ; they are held to be pro nidiis, pro mortuis." — Law of 
South Carolina. That is, "as ciphers, as dead creatures/' per- 
sonally. 

"It is not competent for any court of chancery to enforce 
a contract between a master and a slave, though the slave 
should have kept the contract fully." — Leigh's Reports. 

" The slave has no legal right to worship God, and is often 
scourged almost or quite to death for doing so." — Judge Wil- 
liam Jay. 

"The slave can be no party to a suit." — Wheeler on Law 
of Slavery. 

The slave can give no evidence against a white in any 
case whatever ; and should a slave, male or female, resist any 
outrage of a white, even by the lifting of the hand to turn aside 
a blow or attempt to escape from any torture, such slave may be 
struck dead with impunity and in strict accordance with the law. 



SERMONS. 35 

The law forbids a slave to learn the alphabet ; and in 
some States inflicts the most terrible penalties, even that of 
death, on any one who attempts to teach him. 

An absconding slave — that is, one who hides in the woods 
or swamps — is outlawed in the following terms: "We do here- 
by declare, by virtue of an act of Assembly of this state, that 
if the said slaves, Ben and Rigdon, do not return home imme- 
diately after the publication of these presents, that any person 
may kill and destroy said slaves by such means as he or they 
may think fit, without incurring any penalty or forfeiture there- 
by. Given under our hands and seals this 12th November, 
1836. B. Coleman, Justice of the Peace. James Jones, Jus- 
tice of the Peace. Newbern, N. C." 

The owner of Ben and Rigdon advertised them thus : " I 
will give the reward of $100 for each of the above negroes, to 
be delivered to me or confined in the jail of Lenoir or Jones 
county, or for the killing of them so that I can see them. W. 
D. Cobb." 

This was twenty-four years ago, before Lincoln was nomi- 
nated, and I believe there are hundreds of such advertisements. 
Slaves in Virginia are or were punishable with death for about 
seventy crimes more than white men are ; and in other slave 
States the same rule is followed, though not to the same mur- 
derous extreme. Thus the slave is prevented by cruel penal- 
ties from knowing or reading the laws, and then made the vic- 
tim of his enforced ignorance. Draco and Caligula were lambs 
to these slave-holding legislators. 

The law of Louisiana makes provision for only two and 
a half hours rest for the slave in twenty-four; and the law re- 
quires fifteen hours labor in South Carolina. The legal allow- 
ance of food for a full-grown slave for a week is one peck of 
corn unground. They crush and cook it themselves. 

No law protects or enforces chastity among the slaves. 
In that respect they are treated and held as brutes. Fornica- 
tion, adultery and rape among slaves, or against the poor slave 
woman, is no legal crime. If she or any slave man lifts a hand 
to repel the white ruffian who assails her virtue, she or her de- 
fender may be stricken dead with perfect impunity. Thus the 
American slave, in point of rights of soul and body, is treated 



36 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

by law like a brute, and worse; in point of duties and obliga- 
tions, more is exacted of him than man can render. Such is 
a feeble sketch of American slavery according to law. I am 
ashamed of its weakness. The facts are beyond description. 

But according to Vandyke, " God sanctions American 
slavery," and all his retainers say "Amen!" Does our loving 
Father in heaven, and did the gentle, tender-hearted Jesus, 
sanction such legal relations, facts and statutes as I have faith- 
fully though too feebly portrayed ? Press them on Mr. Van- 
dyke and his pragmatical converts, and they would think that 
the divine administration had changed hands ; that Pharaoh 
had caught them instead of Moses ; and that the apostles ought 
to have said, " Let as many niggers as are under the yoke," 
reverence their masters, instead of addressing white slaves. I 
am almost sure that these politicians who run about this town 
loaded with the piety of Mr. Vandyke, would, under the law- 
ful crack of American slavery's whip, like my sermon better 
than his. I may be mistaken, for the Southern masters have 
metaphorically spit and trodden on them this many a day as 
the "mud-sills of society," and they have been elated by the 
compliment ; but in the poor negro's place the witness, as 
Friends say, might be reached through the skin and muscles, 
though the brain and heart were torpid still. Mr. Vandyke 
should have argued, like Calhoun, that the negro is not a hu- 
man being; then he would have been half consistent, for a 
brute of course is entitled to no human rights, though it is 
surely absurd and cruel to exact from a beast all human obli- 
gations. But this hypothesis would have taken Mr. Vandyke 
out of the Bible, and he is a preacher, and sure of meeting 
Drs. Palmer and Thorn well in the slaveholders' heaven. 

But as this hypothesis of the non-humanity of the negro 
is put forward seriously, I will turn aside to notice it. " The 
negro is not human." How do we determine who is a human 
being? Given that some are human beings. They can do 
things. Then those that can do the same things are human, 
too. White humans can sing. But Elizabeth Greenfield, who 
is as black as soot, and called the Black Swan, is the best nat- 
ural and native singer in America. White humans can make 
poetry; and Washington wrote to the young black girl, Phil- 



SERMONS. $ J 

lis Wheatly, that her poetry was " elegant." Some human 
whites are eloquent orators, and all our Federal Senators and 
Representatives are counted men, I think ; but Frederick 
Douglas, Samuel Ward, and several other men, as black as 
jet, are superior in eloquence to nine-tenths of them. Skill in 
mathematics is considered a fair proof of human faculties ; and 
Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to the negro Benjamin Ban- 
nister praising in the highest terms the skill and accuracy dis- 
played by the latter in the almanac which he had calculated 
and sent to Jefferson. Courage, military talent, generosity, 
and patriotism, are mostly reckoned among the finest traits of 
human nature ; if so, a negro, Crispus Attucks, was the first 
man to give his life for our American independence, — and 
Washington and Jackson, most able and impartial judges, have 
eulogized the courage and excellent conduct of the negro 
troops who fought under their command against British foes 
for their white American oppressors. 

Toussaint L'Ouverture, of San Domingo, a full-blooded 
African negro, and a slave till fifty years of age, having, with 
Christian generosity, saved his master and all his family from 
the vindictive rage of the insurgent negroes, then took the con- 
trol of the bloody insurrection and turned it, with unprecedented 
skill, into a lawful warfare for human rights ; coped success- 
fully for ten years with the best military talent that Spain, 
France or England sent against him ; baffled forty thousand 
of Napoleon's veterans commanded by Le Clerc, his brother- 
in-law, and left his country free. Twelve years after our 
revolution, with one-sixth of our number, and they all negro 
slaves, Toussaint struggled against a nation more numerous 
than Britain and equally as brave, ruled by Bonaparte, the 
greatest warrior of history, and won liberty and independence 
for his people, which have till this day remained unquestioned. 
And, mark it well, as the most remarkable fact on human re- 
cord, the negroes of San Domingo are the only people under 
heaven who ever disenthralled themselves from slavery by 
their own right arms. And that negro Republic is this day in 
a far happier and safer condition than South Carolina. 

Philanthropy and Christian charity are God's highest tests 
of human attributes ; and a negro woman in New York was 



35 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

one of the very first to establish a Sunday school in that city, 
and fed and clothed some forty white orphans at her own ex- 
pense. 

I have now shown that some negroes have the highest 
mental and moral traits, as proof of their humanity ; and I leave 
it for others to show that black skin and woolly hair cannot 
cover a human soul. This is a digression. I return to Mr. 
Vandyke. 

"God sanctions American slavery," so teaches the Bible; 
and "the tribunal of reason and humanity" has nothing to do 
with testing revelation — revelation as expressed in the English 
language. " Take, eat, this is my body," says the English 
New Testament. A reverend, sleek-looking man takes a crumb 
of bread and says a Latin prayer over it, and tells me it is 
bona fide flesh and blood, the real body of the Son of God. 
I say " No ; my human senses tell me it is bread." He re- 
plies, " What are your senses against a miracle and the word 
of God?" I answer, " When Jesus and his apostles worked 
miracles, healed the sick and raised the dead, they appealed to 
the human senses of the witnesses, asking them to believe 
what their senses perceived and us to credit the veracity of im- 
partial persons. The senses came before miracles, and are 
their only tests, and much superior to them. Therefore, 'This 
is my body,' is not the meaning; but, 'This represents my 
body.' " 

I see that Moses said, nearly four thousand years ago, 
that God first made plants and trees ; then, monsters of the 
deep, fishes, and, strange to say, fowls of the air; next, the dry 
land brutes ; and, last of all, man. Within fifty years the 
geologists have examined the rocky strata of the earth, and 
find these orders of creation laid up on those strong shelves 
exactly in the order in which they were placed by the unsci- 
entific prophet of God. So the geologists, without intending 
it, confirm my intellectual faith in Moses through the powers 
of my reason. Had they found man next to the primitive 
granite, and plants only among the surface clay and alluvion, 
I should have doubted — at least, been puzzled. 

There is no heathen in China or Japan, except an idiot, 
who does not see and approve the outline principles of natural 



SERMONS. 39 

justice; condemn intellectually falsehood, fraud and murder, 
and admire truth, courage, temperance and generosity. These 
perceptions and intuitions of the human soul were made by 
the same hand as revelation ; they were before revelation ; they 
are the hooks on which revelation hangs, the things which 
revelation was made to fit ; and that revelation which contra- 
dicts the senses, the reason and the conscience, is from the 
devil and not from God. All human jurists in Christendom, 
of any name, assume in man — at least, in enlightened man — 
the clear intuition of natural justice, and base all righteous 
laws upon that intuition. They make, however, one conces- 
sion, namely : " If any competent law-giver violates natural 
justice, the unjust law must be so plain that it cannot be con- 
strued by any ingenuity in favor of right and justice." Is it 
wrong to apply this principle to the word of God, and to ex- 
amine carefully whether some seeming support of injustice and 
oppression may not be so construed as to clear the meaning 
of all cruelty? 

Mr. Vandyke ignores this principle. He finds in the 
Bible some dozen words — master, servant, bondman, bond- 
maid, rod, smite, yoke, money, buy, sell — and, presto, " God 
sanctions American slavery." Again, suppose that the Almighty 
did establish and enforce among the Jews a system of cruel ser- 
vitude, even slavery (which I deny), does that make it a rule 
for other nations in an enlightened age ? Did he not ordain 
the bloody rite of circumcision ? Mr. Vandyke, being a Pres- 
byterian, thinks that sanguinary ecclesiastical torture is super- 
seded by the gentle falling of a drop of water on an infant's 
head. Did not God ordain that a man should be stoned to 
death for a blasphemous word against Jehovah, or a curse 
against a parent, and the same punishment for gathering sticks 
on a certain day? Did he not send fiery serpents to destroy 
a weary, fretful people, and cause the fire from heaven to de- 
vour and the earth to open its jaws and swallow up thousands 
of mistaken people who followed a few pragmatical leaders that 
envied Moses and Aaron? Did he not direct the Jews to wage 
exterminating wars upon their neighbors, sparing neither sex 
nor age, the hoary head nor the lisping babe? 



4-0 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Mr. Vandyke's retainers here cry out on my impetuous, 
sweeping rashness. No ; blame your champion, who has set 
me on. If you and he claim the support of one wrong and 
outrage from the example of the Jewish law, you shall sustain 
the code or own your folly. The Jews were and are an oracu- 
lar people, selected by heaven from among the nations, de- 
clared in the Bible to be an exceptional people, delivered from 
bondage, led by miracles, taught by prophets, and preserved 
for now four thousand years against all the efforts so often used 
to destroy them. And was any peculiar license which was 
conferred on them intended as a general privilege for cotton 
planters, priests and politicians? Was South Carolina author- 
ized to secede and steal the nation's treasures by the ten plagues 
of Egypt wrought in her favor? I admit that we have been 
plagued on her account these many times for more than eighty 
years. But the plagues she caused us were more like Sodom 
vexing Lot than like righteous heaven trying Pharaoh. Did 
a power divine wall up the sea to make a path for Howell Cobb 
to lead his Georgians through to fetch and carry slaves and 
cotton? Did the mountains blaze and the earth stagger to 
give Alabama a newer and more binding law than the Consti- 
tution ? Is Jefferson Davis a greater and more heavenly sign 
than the fiery pillar and the sheltering cloud, that he should 
lead Mississippi through "the wilderness of sin" to the Sodom 
of slavery? Is little, starving Florida, that has cost us fifty 
millions to buy her swamps and alligators and drive away her 
Indians, and that is not worth to-day as much as Burlington 
county, — has she been fed with manna from on high to prove 
her right to break up this fair Republic for the promotion of 
slavery ? 

Let Mr. Vandyke show these or such like signs from 
heaven, and it will place his favorite institution in the same 
field of view as Jewish servitude; only that their servants were 
mostly whiter than their masters, whereas Mr. Vandyke claims 
Scripture only for holding negro slaves, — while the only per- 
sons mentioned in the Bible who could have been negroes 
were, first, the wife of Moses, the most illustrious prophet of 
the Hebrews and the interpreter of God's first works; and, sec- 
ondly, the Prince baptized by Philip (Acts v, 3), the Prime 



SERMONS. 41 

Minister of the Queen of Ethiopia, who had charge of all her 
treasures, and kept them better, I doubt not, than our modern 
Baptist, Howell Cobb. These persons, if negroes, were cer- 
tainly not slaves. 

But, "the Bible sanctions American slavery"; for, accord- 
ing to Mr. Vandyke, there is no sin but what the Bible for- 
bids, and it does not forbid the enslavement of negroes. There- 
fore that is no sin. If the Bible did not forbid polygamy that 
were no sin, says this reverend gentleman. Here Mr. Van- 
dyke is out again. Sin is the transgression of the divine law; 
and when that law is clear, however learned, it is just as ob- 
ligatory as the ten commandments. When Dr. Beaumont 
looked into St. Martin's stomach, and saw the inflammation 
and blisters caused therein by alcoholic drinks, no angel from 
heaven could have given better evidence that the supplying 
and drinking of such poisons is sin. God leaves us to find out 
most of our sins in a similar way. The Bible mentions but a 
very few. Did it descant on all, its letters would cover the 
surface of the earth and the face of New Jersey could not con- 
tain the introduction. In fact, the Bible is not a sin book, but 
a salvation book, blessed be God ; it is given, not to specify 
all possible transgressions and moral diseases, but to point out 
and assure us of one glorious and perfect remedy. Our divine 
Redeemer scarcely mentions any outward sin except hypoc- 
risy, fraud and oppression. 

I am now ready for verbal criticism. I have already 
shown that American slavery is per se an infernal system, and 
cannot therefore have the sanction of God ; that if Hebrew ser- 
vitude were even a system of oppression, it gives no necessary 
sanction to oppression elsewhere; that a people following He- 
brew patterns of domestic policy in enforcing radical and arbi- 
trary distinctions among men, must have like authority with 
Hebrews. But do the words of Scripture, even of the Eng- 
lish Bible, warrant the idea of chattel slavery? The word 
" slavery" is never used at all; and the word "slaves" but 
once, and that in the eighteenth chapter of Revelation, where 
Babylon is represented as sinking into hell at the cry of a 
mighty angel coming down from heaven and at the call of an- 
other voice from on high, which bids God's people to come 



42 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

out from her and have no union with her but let her secede, 
that they be not partakers of her plagues, — while those who 
sympathize with her, and have been enriched by her products, 
are standing afar off (perhaps as far as New York from Charles- 
ton) and bitterly wailing as she goes down, reciting the list of 
her splendors and her wealth, and closing one strain with those 
Southern articles of merchandise, "slaves and souls of men." 
Slaves and souls of men ! Babylon going down to hell, hav- 
ing trafficked in " slaves and souls of men." This is the only 
use of the word "slaves"; and the scene reminds us forcibly 
of a city not nearly so big as Babylon and daily growing less, 
moving in the same direction, the good folks running away 
from her, and Mr. Vandyke and his cotton congregation weep- 
ing and wailing over her, crying Alas! alas! that great city, 
wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea; for in 
one hour is she made desolate. 

The truth is that the Hebrew language has no word for 
" slave." This is plain, because the slave trade was in full blast 
when King James' translators gave us our English Bible; and 
they would have rendered the Hebrew "evedh" "slave," if 
they had dared ; but neither then nor since have any sect or 
body of Christians dared to put slave into the Mosaic law. 
And they never will, for the simple reason that it is not there. 
And the " Republic of Letters" is a free community, and no 
body of learned men can afford to make traitors of themselves 
to the truth of literature. Perhaps, however, the Southern 
traitors to their country and to common sense may bring out 
a new Bible with their new constitution. The word "evedh" 
is rendered both servant and bondman in a very loose and 
careless manner. It means simply and solely "one who labors 
for another either with body or with mind," under covenant or 
contract to do so. This the word "bondman," or boundman, 
clearly implies; as bound or bonded by contract to render 
service, precisely as a mechanic is bound by contract to build 
a house for another man. The word may also represent a 
youth, boy or girl bound out to service, as an apprentice or 
otherwise, by a parent or guardian on payment or promise of 
money or the worth of money for such service, which could not 
last more than six years unless the person himself at the end of 



SERMONS. 43 

the six years chose on his own account to renew the contract. 

And no contract, service or obligation ever lasted, or could 
last, under Jewish law, beyond the year of jubilee, which was 
to that nation the ever-recurring type of that eternal and heav- 
enly rest and freedom which their Shiloh or Messiah, the 
"desire of nations," should bring in. The phrase "for- 
ever," which cotton divines press into the service of eternal 
slavery, only carried forward the mind of a Jew to that epoch 
which their prophets had made known as the limit of a dis- 
pensation or institution connected with that. In regard to ser- 
vitude and the enthrallment of debts we have the following 
beautiful, heart-cheering words (Lev. xxv, 8-13): "Thou shalt 
number seven Sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times seven 
years; and the space of the seven Sabbaths of years shall be 
unto thee forty and nine years. Then shalt thou cause the 
trumpet of the jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh 
month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet 
sound throughout all your land. And ye shall hallow the fif- 
tieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all 
the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you; and ye 
shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall re- 
turn every man unto his family. A jubilee shall that fiftieth 
year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which 
groweth of itself in it, neither gather the grapes in it of thy 
vine undressed. For it is the jubilee; it shall be holy unto 
you: ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the field. In the 
year of this jubilee ye shall return every man unto his pos- 
session." 

This language settles, if language can, the question of un- 
ending servitude. " All the inhabitants shall be free" ; every 
human being shall return to his own possession. Why does 
not Mr. Vandyke urge the carrying out of this Hebrew sta- 
tute, so benevolent, so sublime, so firmly established, so clearly 
defined by Almighty God? Because it would not please his 
cotton lords nor bring him so large a salary. The word " buy" 
is harped on as a certain defence of slavery. What does " buy" 
mean? Let us test some other words. David says, "I pre- 
vented the dawn of the morning." Does that mean that he 
hindered the dawn from coming on ? or that he rose for prayer 



44 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

before it came? I anticipated the dawn? Paul told his friends 
that he had purposed to visit them for a long time, but had 
been " let hitherto." Does that mean that Paul had been "per- 
mitted" (as "let" now means) to visit them? or that he had 
been "hindered"? This play upon words to promote villain- 
ous oppression is base on the part of those who know better, 
and contemptibly stupid on the part of those who blindly fol- 
low them. The Hebrew for "buy " means to get or procure 
for a proper consideration. Boaz, the grandfather of King 
David, bought Ruth, the lovely and virtuous young widow of 
Moab, to be his wife. And the prophet Hosea bought his 
wife for silver and grain. Were these women chattels? Our 
worthy and useful fellow-citizen, William Risdon, has built 
some forty houses here, and he has, for money or money's 
worth, "got" mechanics and laborers to build them; "got" 
them precisely in the sense of the Hebrew for " bought." And 
indeed it is very often said that our legislators are bought up 
here in New Jersey, to betray their constituents, by means of 
a riotous feast or a purse of money. The Hebrew word would 
apply here also; though it was seldom used for so base a pur- 
pose. These wives, mechanics and laborers are certainly not 
slaves; nor is the bought Senator, in the meaning of Vandyke, 
though he is a far more degraded man than the poor negro 
that cringes beneath the lash. 

The word "sell" is another term to conjure with; it is 
the co-relative of "buy"; and always, in the Mosaic law, when 
used in reference to a man or woman, means to dispose of 
one's self, in service or employ, for a valuable consideration. 
Levit. xxv, 39 and 47, illustrates this : " If thy brother near thee 
be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee," etc.; and in 47, "If a 
sojourner or stranger near thee wax rich, and thy brother near 
him wax poor, and sell himself to the stranger or sojourner, 
or to the stock of the stranger's family," etc. "Be sold" and 
"sell himself" is the self-same word in Hebrew; and you 
never find in this divine law a third man or woman standing 
by as a chattel, a horse or cow, while two other persons 
bargain and dispose of him. Never! Never! Two persons, 
and two only, make such bargains for themselves; and buy 
and sell mean get and hire. Nothing, however, is so necessary 



SERMONS. 45 

to slavery as some language of Moses, implicating him and his 
people in some diabolical cruelty; hence its pious advocates 
gloat with peculiar rapture over Exodus xxi, where having 
spoken of the death penalty for man-slaying, it says in the 20th 
and 21st verses: "If a man smite his servant or his maid 
(literally his boy or girl) with a rod, and he die under his 
hand, he shall surely be punished. But if he continue a day 
or two, he shall not be punished, for he is his money." " Con- 
tinue a day or two." And what then? Die? No; continue 
a day or two, uncomfortable from the flagellation, and then get 
well. Herein it is enacted positively that a man for whipping 
his boy or girl to death must suffer death himself. It is im- 
plied that great severity involved punishment of some sort; 
but that a whipping, whose effects continue for a day or two, 
required no notice of the magistrate, as the master suffered 
loss of time and consequently money. If "continued" here 
means "survived," the translators would have said so; for they 
wrote in a cruel age and under a tyrant king. The meaning 
I give is the meaning of common sense and common human- 
ity; and both these attributes come from God; while the 
allowance to whip a child so that he must agonize for twenty- 
four hours and then expire, comes entirely from another 
quarter, and agrees with that expressive Southern law, which 
imposes punishment on a master for killing a slave, " unless 
he dies under moderate correction." I quote the exact words 
of North Carolina law. What representatives are such teach- 
ers and teachings of the person and precepts of Jesus Christ! 
Some find slavery in the ten commandments. Let us see. 
First commandment, "Thou shalt have no other gods before 
me." Slaveholder, "Thou shalt obey me alone, and not know 
that there is a God, nor read a word He says at all, unless I 
choose." Fourth commandment, "Remember the Sabbath to 
keep it holy." Slaveholder, "You shall work every day from 
day-dawn to bed-time, if I please." Fifth commandment, 
"Honor thy father and thy mother." Slaveholder, "Your 
father and mother are my 'niggers,' and so are you; if you 
prefer obedience or regard to them instead of me, I will whip 
you to death." Sixth commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." 
Slaveholder, "I will kill whenever I please, by shortening life 
by hard work or short food or flogging for idleness." Seventh 



4-6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." Slave- 
holder, "There is no such crime from a white man towards a 
slave." Eighth commandment, "Thou shalt not steal "; that 
is, take another's possession. Slaveholder, " I will take every- 
thing that my slave produces, also his offspring, and every- 
thing most dear to him as my right; I will deprive him of all 
means of mental improvement, and leave him nothing but a 
bare existence." Ninth commandment, "Thou shalt not bear 
false witness." Slaveholder, " My slave shall not bear witness 
at all against a white man; and when I please, I will torture, 
scourge and burn him, to extort such witness as I u ant." Tenth 
commandment, "Thou shalt not covet" ; that is, claim more 
than thy just and equitable share. Slaveholder, "I will have 
all, as regards my slave; and no contract shall exist as between 
him and me, binding me to what justice and equity require." 

Although there is no word for slavery in the Hebrew 
language, yet the most exact definition of its nature, and the 
most fearful denunciation of its wickedness, is contained in 
Exod. xxi, 1 6. In the midst of the list of capital crimes, 
murders, blasphemies, etc., there are these words: He that 
stealeth a man or selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, 
he shall surely be put to death. Here we have getting, part- 
ing with, and holding; each a capital crime. Observe; not 
stealing a slave, but stealing a man — a human being; selling a 
man, and holding a man. Again, the fugitive law, Deut. xxiii, 
15, 16: All kindness to the servant. Had he been property 
they must have given him up. The rests and recreations of 
masters and servants. The religious rights and privileges of 
servants and those of masters. Next to idolatry, oppression 
was the burden of the prophet's denunciations. 

God then did not institute, etc. For a few moments I 
turn to the new argument of silence. Oppression denounced 
in Old Testament. Christ saw none in Judea. Christ did 
not rebuke slavery, nor idolatry, and mentioned few sins. So 
the Apostle's Epistle to Philemon v, 16, seems for the very 
purpose of answering these cruel cavils. 

Vandyke's text: — No rights imply no obligations. 

Christianity goes ahead of this. 

Note. — The conclusion of this sermon, it will be observed, are simply Mr. 
Aaron's notes, which are given, however, just as the author wrote them. 

* 



SERMONS. 47 



Ecc. xii, i : "Remember now thy Creator in the days 

OF THY YOUTH." 

I. The subject proposed for our consideration this day is 
"The importance of early Christian education." About six 
months have elapsed since I called your attention to the same 
matter, and several remarkable facts that have since transpired 
have inclined my heart to feel, my mind to think, and my tongue 
to try to speak to my fellow-mortals — my dear Christian breth- 
ren, my respected and respectful but too thoughtless hearers 
all — upon a subject concerning which God speaks not only in 
his word most pointedly but has to us dealt out some striking 
lessons in his providence, which last I will in the first place 
try to show. 

Three months ago it pleased Divine Providence, after re- 
peated, long-continued and agonizing sufferings, to remove 
from this life a child of two beloved members of this church — 
a sprightly, thoughtless boy, just at that age, that critical and 
interesting point, when every Christian parent trembles with 
the anxious but vain desire to know whether the time of ac- 
countability has begun and God has doomed the creature to 
appear and answer for himself. Yes, my brother and sister, 
when you bent with aching hearts over your expiring offspring, 
did not these questions press upon your souls: Whether Christ 
had redeemed him without a faith and knowledge of his own? 
Whether, if a sinner, you too must answer for his sins and bear 
a portion of his guilt? Still more to our present purpose, 
Whether you had done all you could to lead and to devote 
him to the Lord? Whether your prayers for him in faith had 
moved and opened heaven for his departing soul, and your 
persuasion, precept and example had led him to Jesus, who 
said "Suffer them to come and forbid them not"? Ah! when 
you were assured that death had set his mark upon him, and 
when in those last hours you heard him call on that Saviour 
whom his father's prayers, his mother's hymns and his Sunday 
school lessons had revealed to him; when you heard him lift 



48 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

his dying voice in prayer for himself and his young sister, you 
needed not man to prove, for God by his providence did show 
you, as he has also shown us, the value of early Christian edu- 
cation. 

But again, a more striking, if possible, and more painful 
instance, has within a few weeks called on us to hear him that 
speaks from heaven. A blooming child of nearly equal age 
and similar character with the other is hurried without the 
slightest warning, in one instant, from perfect health into a 
state of laceration and suffering beyond the physician's skill, 
whence he speedily passes insensible to the grave. He too 
had parents that, in a judgment of charity, feared God. They 
had not hated their boy by sparing the rod; they had warned 
him, and watched him, and prayed with him and for him in re- 
lation to the very thing that caused his death. They had taken 
pains themselves, and sought the aid of others, to impress his 
mind, upon the holy Sabbath, with divine truth. And what 
was there, now that he lay bleeding, mangled, delirious, dying 
before their eyes, to comfort them but the fact that they had 
endeavored to do their duty? They then felt, what may the 
Lord move you all to feel this day, the vast importance of early 
Christian education. 

Now, Christians fully awake to duty feel the truths just 
urged. And shall not those mortals who are unprepared either 
to live or die, feel them also? How merciful to this commu- 
nity are these particular circumstances. The fact is alarming 
and most wonderful that they seem to feel it not. O, my hear- 
ers, are you still unwarned, still heedless? 

II. But let us now observe, in the second place, that the 
word of God is very explicit and pointed on the subject ot 
early Christian education. This is denied by many; insomuch 
that many persons profess to be justified in neglecting the re- 
ligious culture of their children on account of the silence of 
the Scriptures in relation to Sunday schools, catechisms, and 
early religious lessons. They insist that if this were a cardi- 
nal duty, as the Sunday School Union and some preachers 
represent it, the Bible itself would be full of it in plain and 
pointed terms. Now, it must in candor be admitted that there 
is not a vast mass of Scripture language devoted to this single 



SERMONS. 49 

point exclusive of all others. But let us examine the Scrip- 
tures fairly, and we shall find the meaning and authority ex- 
plicity — clear as light. Remember, hearers, I speak to you 
as believing Scriptural duties to be most important and fully 
obligatory upon us all, and admitting that nothing but the 
knowledge and the favor of God can make us truly happy. 
Now, with this admission, look at the law of love to man. 
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself"; and, "Whatsoever 
ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: 
for this is the law and the prophets." But, again. The com- 
mand is to all the friends of Christ (and the duty of all is to 
be so) to make known the gospel to every creature. Look, 
then, at this precept. Shall we carry it or send it to distant 
heathen lands? 

But the great argument as to pointed Scriptural require- 
ment on this subject appears to me to be this: While God en- 
forces social duties, commonly in general terms, he mentions 
expressly in many places the youthful portion of mankind as 
a class of his moral subjects. I say, my friends, while the 
Lord requires repentance, faith and loving obedience from all 
mankind, he mentions the young as the special objects of his 
love and the subjects of his kingdom. Now, if I am not greatly 
mistaken, the young of the human race are far more distin- 
guished, as a class, by the divine word than any other portion 
of mankind. Neither the noble nor the ignoble, the rich nor 
the poor, the wise nor the ignorant, are designated as so hope- 
fully the subjects of divine influence and blessing as those in 
very early life. These assertions are proved by the history of 
very many distinguished saints. They are proved by the pre- 
cepts delivered to youth, or concerning them. They are proved 
by the promises and encouragements expressed in relation to 
them. 

III. Now to whom can all this authority and all this en- 
couragement apply more properly than to parents ? Your love 
for your children prompts you to do or suffer anything for 
them — except to bring them to Christ. To satisfy their wants, 
kind parents will deny themselves the very bread they crave 
in hunger; to deliver, if possible, their little ones from sick- 
ness and pain, they would gladly suffer in their stead — at least 



50 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

some tender parents would; to rescue them from death, a fa- 
ther or mother would rush through flood or fire. What, then, 
ought your love to prompt you to, in relation to the dearest 
interests of your dear children? What wretch would feast, 
heedless, while his child was starving in his sight? Who would 
stand unmoved and behold his helpless offspring dragged into 
hopeless, endless servitude to the most cruel and tyrannical 
master? Who would remain unpitying and uncaring while 
monsters and serpents were devouring his child? The power 
of parents involves them in high responsibility. If there is a 
miscreant on earth pre-eminently hell-governed and hell-pos- 
sessed, it must be he who strives to pervert the heart and pol- 
lute the soul of his offspring. And Jehovah sears with his 
hottest wrath and loads with heaviest curses those rulers, hav- 
ing supreme power, that made Israel to sin, and those parents 
that made their sons and daughters to pass through fire to 
dumb idols (Levit. xvii, 21 ; xx, 2-5). 

Do you object to my assertion of your having power? 
You know you have supreme and perfect power over their 
persons; natural influence over their minds. But the Lord 
bestows upon those who seek it the highest influence over their 
minds and principles. His direct and positive promise is to 
this effect. Patience and perseverance are necessary. A pa- 
rent may inflict hard blows or use harsh and angry words, — 
the child will weep and tremble; but only fear, as he would a 
wild beast. No food will force your child to a full growth of 
body in a moment, nor a day, nor a year. Your labor should 
\>e directed to render your child obedient, as soon as possible; 
obedient, on grounds of reason. Then that reason should be 
exalted and that obedience improved in relation to his heav- 
enly father. To accomplish your ends much private discipline 
should be used, as the divine spirit speaks privately to your- 
self; "not provoking to wrath." But you still plead want of 
power and, more especially, want of time. Time you should 
take. And what is in reality your greatest difficulty? The 
want of the power of religion in your own hearts! 

Shall I here call your minds to the Sunday school as a 
means not of excusing you from the performance of your great 
duties but of assisting you in your labor? You will allow me 



SERMONS. 5 1 

to speak freely, hearers, and commend for some special rea- 
sons our Sunday school to your notice. It is taught by per- 
sons mostly, if not entirely, of serious character, and many of 
them far beyond the bounds of capricious youth, and who have 
long persevered in their efforts to do good. It has pained my 
very soul to see the neglect with which our school is treated, 
and I am strongly inclined, in addition to my many arduous 
duties, to become one of its teachers. Sunday schools began 
among Baptists as a mere matter of tolerance. The leading 
and established members of each church looked with suspi- 
cion upon the movement. Hence Sunday schools became in- 
dependent. There should be much wisdom and great forbear- 
ance in bringing about a different state of things. I have seen 
unhappy results of the separation of the Sunday school from 
the control of the pastor and church. I feel it very important 
to have a pretty strong grasp on my Sunday school. 



Amos iv, 12: "Prepare to Meet Thy God." 

[Funeral Discourse delivered July 16, 1831.) 

These words are an express command of the Most High 
God, and are connected, as you have heard, with judgments 
which he had brought in terrific form upon the people ad- 
dressed, and with the threat of more awful judgments about to 
come. They are, indeed, according to the mind of God him- 
self, a necessary inference from his work of executive judg- 
ment; for he says, "Thus will I do unto thee, O Israel; and 
because I will do thus unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O 
Israel." And, my friends, this is the conclusion which we are 
to draw r this day, for the heaviest stroke of the arm of God that 
is felt short of the eternal world has fallen upon a fellow-citi- 
zen, a townsman, a near neighbor; to some present a kinsman, 
a husband, a father. I am not mistaken when I say the heav- 
iest stroke. For however in the coloring of fine language we 



52 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

may paint sufferings worse than death; however a mawkish 
sensibility may moan over the insufferable anguish of wounded 
honor, the wreck of a broken constitution in which the fact 
of life is only ascertained by ceaseless agony, the pittance of 
an alms-house that remains to him whose extravagance has 
drained a hoard of wealth, yet the light of reason, and still 
more the light of Scripture, bid a man survive all such things, 
and far prefer life with all its sure and nameless ills to death 
with its uncertainty. An arrow of the Almighty, therefore, 
has been discharged — yea, two of them — into our little com- 
munity, and the old man and the babe, the ripe fruit and the 
blossom, have fallen and, as regards this life, perished forever. 
The irreparable breach, the voice of the mourners, the nearer 
approach of our own similar fate, and, above all, the word of 
Jehovah, say to every one of us, " Prepare to meet thy God." 

But to apply the words particularly, I shall, first, address 
them to those whose only hope is in living, not in dying; who 
act towards God as if their only meeting with him were to be 
a contest for the present life — as if they were determined, in 
spite of their landlord, to keep possession of the tenement oc- 
cupied on his sufferance. You, my dear friends, to speak plainly 
(which is the especial business of ministers), are found in greater 
numbers at a funeral than at almost any other place where men 
dare preach. Many come then to a place of worship, out of 
respect to their fellow-creatures, who are seldom found there 
from a regard for the word of the Almighty. Well, now, my 
friends, prepare to meet your God. As to making peace with 
him through the Lord Jesus Christ, you have no intention of 
that sort; then you must either beat him off when he comes 
to remove you from being tenants at will, or you must buy an 
inheritance beyond the stars with the treasures of good works 
you are now laying up. 

Let us look at the hope of the present. life. The Eternal 
says by his prophet, " I will take vengeance, and will not meet 
thee as a man." When a man is about to meet his fellow for 
purposes of vengeance, or in self defence, what precautions he 
takes to be thoroughly prepared, what well proved implements 
of death he carries, what friends he summons to his side, what 
firm determination to his heart. But when Jehovah challenges 



SERMONS. 53 

man goes not forth to meet with his fellow. This adversary 
sits invisible above the heavens. He sends his apoplexy; it 
comes, and the vital stream that warms man's heart forsakes 
its channels and rushes in a torrent to overwhelm the regions of 
mind and sensation, where, like a stagnant sea, it settles down 
and buries deep the throne of reason and the powers of life. 
He commissions fever, and the lamp of life, like Nebuchadnez- 
zar's furnace, burns with a sevenfold heat, till its support is 
wasted and it goes out forever. He speaks to dysentery, and 
the numberless tubes that carry nutriment to flesh and blood 
are closed; corruption's channel opens wide, and strength and 
life flow rapidly away. Friends gather around and weep; per- 
haps they pray. Science appears and marshals all her powers, 
her instruments of cunning workmanship, her opiates, her 
stimulants, her drugs. But in vain are his own strength and 
human aid, for man has met his God ; the silver chord is loosed, 
the golden bowl is broken, and man must go to his long home. 

You see, then, careless soul, the unequal contest. In- 
deed, the departed generations among whose tombs we wan- 
der, the few sad relics of their fate, forewarn you and imperi- 
ously urge you to prepare to meet your God. Those who lift 
up their eyes in torment find it the next desire to that of their 
own deliverance, that their kinsmen and friends might not 
come into that place of anguish. And those in Abraham's bo- 
som would feel new thrills of joy to welcome their survivors 
to the seats prepared for them. 

But to return. If you cannot stand it out with God in 
mortal combat, then, like the king who thinks he cannot en- 
gage with ten thousand an adversary who approaches with 
twenty thousand, you ought to seek conditions of peace. We 
have already agreed, 'however, that you cannot do this by sub- 
mission to the Lord Jesus Christ, but must effect it by giving 
such things as you have. And as the Eternal is a moral be- 
ing, you must present to him a moral offering. Well, what 
will you bring? Will you attempt to exhibit a perfect exam- 
ple of moral rectitude? This no man of sense dares think of, 
for he knows that he has often departed from the straight path, 
that he has often given way to causeless anger, that he has 
often coveted, that he has often given way to vain imagination 



54 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

and thrown the reins to pride and envy. But do you not pro- 
pose to balance accounts with God, to make it an affair of debt 
and credit, assured that you have done right in a majority of in- 
stances; at any rate, that you have meant well? And even if 
you have generally failed, you attribute to him so much gen- 
erosity that you verily believe he will frankly forgive you. 
Now, we will suppose the best of the case; for instance, that 
you have, a hundred credits for a single debt. Will the bal- 
ance of ninety -nine in your favor buy you a mansion in heaven? 
Here a thought strikes me. If it will, it must be some one that 
Christ has not prepared for; for he went, as he says, to prepare 
a place only for them that believe in him, and love him, and 
follow him. And, again, your mansion must be in some part 
of heaven in which Christ does not dwell; because he said to 
some of the most self-righteous men that the world has ever 
seen, such as fasted twice a week, gave tithes and alms of all 
that they possessed, and prayed much, "Where I am ye can 
not come." Now, to find a mansion in heaven which Christ 
has not prepared, who made all things of himself and for him- 
self, and to inhabit a place there where he is not present, of 
whom it is said that he is the very light of that city — the New 
Jerusalem — must be extremely difficult. 

But to return to the ninety-nine credits in your favor. Let 
the prisoner plead before the judge. "I have saved one hun- 
dred lives, and have willfully murdered but this one individual. 
I can prove that I have acted honestly — yea, even with honor 
and generosity — in one hundred instances, whereas I have 
stolen or defrauded but this once." Would the law therefore 
acquit him? Or would it say to him, You have done no more 
than your duty, by which no man can purchase a license to 
perpetrate a single crime? Well, does human equity surpass 
in strictness that of God? Examine the latter. "Thou shalt 
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart," etc. And, again, 
" He that keeps the whole law, and yet offends in one point, is 
guilty of all." What clause of reservation is here left to en- 
courage impenitent sinners to insult the Almighty with their 
claims to merit. O, hearer, argument fails, illustration fails, 
and I can only repeat the text in thy ears, perhaps for the last 



SERMONS. 55 

time, thoughtless mortal, mortal hastening to the judgment, 
"Prepare to meet thy God." Prepare to meet thy God! 

But I come, secondly, to speak to a different class. You 
that are stated attendants on the sanctuary. Prepare to meet 
your God there with more sincerity and desire. Prepare to 
meet him in your closets. Prepare to meet him as one that 
seeks your hearts. " My son, give me thy heart." Prepare to 
meet him in his providences. Prepare to meet him on the 
throne of eternal judgment. Prepare to dwell with him in 
heaven. 

Thirdly, the mourners. I shall never meet you all to- 
gether again. I must therefore be faithful. Be not presump- 
tuous because of mature age. * O, seek to redeem the time. 
" The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be 
the name of the Lord. For whom the Lord loveth he chas- 
teneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Now no 
chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; 
nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of right- 
eousness unto them which are exercised thereby." 



The Description of Sinners. 

i. Those that are in the way — the wicked or trans- 
sors. 

2. Those that are making their calculations — the un- 
righteous or lawless. 

The first act without much thought; the second are phil- 
osophers, ungodly upon principle. The world is full of such. 
The first are the hands and feet, the second are the eyes and 
heads, in the service of the devil. The first are like Jeroboam, 
the son of Nebat, that made Israel to sin; the second are like 
foolish Israel, that obeyed to do iniquitously. The first are 
like the sellers and manufacturers of spirits; the second like 



56 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

those that drink them. The first are like kings and rulers 
that plan wars and intrigues; the others like the subjects that 
fight or execute. The first are like the citizen of the far coun- 
try that had the swine to feed ; the second like the poor prodi- 
gal that was almost starved in feeding them. The first are ra- 
ther the rich, the polished, the gay, the honored — those that 
must have religion, if it is absolutely indispensable, in a coach, 
a fine house, a fine equipage, or high office; the others go 
their pilgrimage on foot, and sweat and groan as they trudge 
along the road to ruin. The first seem to be the more hope- 
less, because the devil gives them better wages, better fare. 
And yet we might suppose it would matter little whether a 
man were carried in a coach to the gallows or dragged thither 
by the hair of his head ; whether he were suspended on a tow- 
ering gibbet like Haman or hung up like a dog; whether he 
were strangled with a silken cord or a hempen rope. But the 
gay world think differently. 

The apostle Paul thought his case peculiar that he should 
be pardoned, because he was a ringleader. And it is certain 
that the fate of a campaign depends mainly on the prowess and 
honor of the leaders. Many of these plotters of sin are not so 
accessible as the poor and undistinguished. They contribute, 
many of them, to the support of the gospel ministry; and it is 
thought sufficiently bold in the preacher even to hint at the 
possibility of their errors from the pulpit, not to censure per- 
sonally their sins and charge them to their faces. The poor, 
thoughtless man, that lies expiring without attendants or the 
necessaries of life, is glad to hear the prayers or the teachings 
of piety ; is willing to hear of his errors and acknowledge them. 
But he whose superior mind has collected money and pur- 
chased friends is not approachable by the humble follower of 
Christ, who can only bid him weep over his sins and flee for 
refuge to the poor, the humble, the forsaken Jesus of Naza- 
reth, who had neither money nor friends. 

Whatever may be said of the unfaithfulness of the minis- 
ters, those are still wanting who have a talent for convincing 
and convicting the sinners of a speculative and philosophical 
character; and whether he be rich in purse or rich in self-esti- 
mation, that man will find it hard to enter into the kingdom of 



SERMONS. 57 

God. Even Christ himself kept aloof from those who thought 
they had no need of mercy, who thought that they were right- 
eous and despised others, and his gospel was preached rather 
to the poor; not merely to the poor in pocket, but to the poor 
in arguments, and poor in self-righteousness and self-esteem. 



Rom. xii, I. The motive to action is "The mercies of 
God." God is merciful, plenteous in mercy, rich in mercy, 
abundant in mercy. We hear of the multitude of his mercies. 
How thankless, hard-hearted children sometimes reason. 
They say, my parents brought me into the world, etc. But a 
poor penitent does not see it so. A good Christian does not 
see it so. He sees that everything he has is of God's mercy, 
which fails not. How he blesses that mercy that provides for 
all his wants. Is he rich? Is he poor? Is he absolutely 
suffering? Is his reputation assailed? How wonderful ap- 
pears that forbearance that spared him; that did not suffer 
execution to issue, and cut him off in his impenitence. How 
still greater that mercy, that not only spared him from death, 
but gave him life; that constrained him to come and taste the 
sweet things of redeeming love. How, above all, that great 
adorable mercy that pitied dying men and gave the life of the 
just for the unjust. Oh, hard-hearted man, that hearest this 
and does not feel it; canst thou feel anything? Present your 
bodies a living sacrifice. This is figurative; and like all Paul's 
illustrations, apt and forcible. To offer in sacrifice any beast 
that had died by accident or disease was an abomination. But 
the sacrifice was to be brought living to the priests without 
spot or blemish. Now this is used by Paul as an illustration 
of what the Lord expects of us. The beast offered was to be 
the best of the flock. So should the Christian; so must the 
Christian be the best among men. Holy — that is, set apart, 
probably — and acceptable unto God, according to the descrip- 
tion given by the Lord. But as Christians, you are to pre- 
sent yourselves as sacrifices before the Lord. Now this is 
your reasonable service. Now, brethren, if.these things be so, 
you are doubtless presenting yourselves as living sacrifices 



58 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

unto the Lord. But oh! the fact is far otherwise. In the 
phrase, to present your bodies, there is probably allusion to 
attendance on public worship, and the table of the Lord. Did 
you not solemnly, most solemnly promise, in the presence of 
God and many witnesses, to keep your places in the sanctuary? 
If a man were to neglect all these things for the purpose of 
more ardent, private devotion, he could not be excused be- 
cause of the deleterious example. But a man never omits one 
duty to God for the purpose of performing another better. 



Matt, xxv, 46 : " And these shall go away into ever- 
lasting PUNISHMENT." 

I. Punishment a part or principle of the divine govern- 
ment. Does every prudent teacher punish? Does a father? 
Does a law-giver? The punishment brought on our world by 
the sin of our first parents. Sin possessed all; the woman es- 
pecially. Reversed by Jesus. The punishment of man ; of 
devils. 

II. That punishment is everlasting. A tremendous word; 
and therefore many determined to explain it away. Accord- 
ing to the word of God, everlasting punishment is just as cer- 
tain to some as everlasting felicity is to others. Why so? 

First. In contrast. 

David. — "Men of the world, which have their portion in 
this life." " I shall be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness." 

Solomon. — "The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, 
but the expectation of the wicked shall perish." "The wicked 
shall be driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath 
hope in his death." 

Daniel. — "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the 
earth shall awake; some to everlasting life, and some to shame 
and everlasting contempt." 

Matthew. — " He will gather his wheat into the garner," 
etc. "Wide is the gate that leadeth to destruction," etc. 
" Many shall come from the east and from the west," etc. 



SERMONS. 59 

"Gather ye first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn 
them." "The .Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and 
they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, 
and those that do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace 
of fire : there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then 
shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of 
their father." "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net 
that gathered fish of every kind; which, when it was full, they 
drew to the shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into 
vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of 
the world; the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked 
from among the just, and shall cast them into a furnace of fire : 
there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." "Blessed is 
that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so do- 
ing. * * But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, 
My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow 
servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of 
that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, 
and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with 
the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." 
"Well done, good and faithful servant, * * enter thou into 
the joy of thy lord. * * And cast ye the unprofitable serv- 
ant into outer darkness," etc. "Then shall the King say unto 
them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, in- 
herit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the 
world. * * Then shall he say also unto them on his left 
hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared 
for the devil and his angels. * * And these shall go away 
into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eter- 
nal." "He that believeth on me hath life," etc. "Blessed are 
ye when men shall hate you for the Son of Man's sake." " Re- 
joice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward 
is great in heaven." " But woe unto you that are rich, for ye 
have received your consolation." "God so loved the world 
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth 
in him might not perish but have everlasting life." "All that 
are in the grave shall come forth; they that have done good 
unto the resurrection of life," etc. 



60 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Paul. — Hath not the potter power over the clay of the 
same lump to make one vessel unto honor and another unto 
dishonor? What if God, willing to shew his wrath and to 
make his power known, endured with much long suffering the 
vessels of wrath fitted for destruction; and that he might make 
known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy which 
he had afore prepared unto glory. "Be not deceived; God is 
not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also 
reap. For he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap 
corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit 
reap life everlasting." "That which beareth thorns and briers 
is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be 
burned." "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of 
you, and things which accompany salvation." 

This is a contrast in a variety of forms. 

Second. The words of Christ. This doctrine is clearly 
implied. Jesus. — " I pray for them ; I pray not for the world." 
"The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven 
unto men," etc. " He hath never forgiveness, but is in danger 
of eternal damnation." "If we sin willfully after we have re- 
ceived the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more 
sacrifice for sins." " What is a man profited, if he shall gain 
the whole world and lose his own soul." "Their worm 
dieth not," etc. "Betwixt us and you there is a great gulf 
fixed," etc. "He that believeth not the Son, shall not see 
life," etc. "I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die 
in your sins," etc. "Whose end is destruction." 

Third. Preparedness in this life is necessary. "Seek ye 
the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is 
near," etc. "Behold, now is the accepted time; now is the 
day of salvation." "To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden 
not your hearts." 

John. — "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still," etc. 

The word everlasting is applied to the Supreme. In the 
next place the nature of the punishment. Whatever suffering 
is most intense and acute in this life is used as a figure of that 
to come. I cannot see that the Almighty uses any particu- 
lar agency in tormenting. They hated God and loved sin. 
They shall go to the capital city of sin's dominions. How 



SERMONS. 6 1 

much more a refined and high-spirited person suffers, with an 
angel's intellect and a devil's heart. Do you not think you 
deserve some punishment? Are you quite sure of exemption? 
If you avoid to do harm, and are quite sure you would not 
have used Christ ill, would not some of you be very much 
offended at reproof? And are not Christians afraid of it? 

But lastly. Who are those that are to go away into 
everlasting punishment? Are they murderers, robbers and 
adulterers, etc., alone? They, doubtless; but our Saviour 
speaks not of such here, but of those who have omitted to 
perform some of the least imposing obligations apparently. 
He speaks not of those who had done any harm — according 
to the best codes of merely human morals — but of those who 
have neglected to do any good. 

Analogy as to future punishments in nature with Revela- 
tion. I. We bring many punishments knowingly upon our- 
selves. 2. They come in consequence of actions the most 
pleasurable and temptations the most overwhelming. 3. 
These punishments are often delayed a great while, and then 
come suddenly and unlooked for. 4. Even "innocent youth," 
as we call it, is no excuse for rashness and folly. 5. The neg- 
lect of proper seasons brings great disadvantages; certain 
bounds being passed, irretrievable losses follow. 6. These are 
not occasional consequences but fixed laws. These then are 
awful analogies; and nothing but a complete demonstration of 
infidelity should make any impenitent man easy. Many live 
as if only to show the horrors of vice and folly. Though men 
wish God, they do not wish earthly magistrates to compel them 
to be holy and happy. The Scripture authority, I am sure, 
was found overwhelming. Now another truth is as sure; that 
every one in this house unwilling to confess Christ is exposed 
to endless death. Be not diverted by Satan's devises, nor 
deceived by the coldness of Christians. " Examine your own 
selves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your ownselves." 



62 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



Omniscience oe the Lord. 

His knowledge is perfect. He planted the ear; formed 
the eye ; teaches man knowledge ; darkness and light the 
same; all things naked and open; knoweth the heart and the 
thoughts afar off. He is infinite; cannot be searched out; 
looketh to the ends of the earth and seeth under the whole 
heaven; known are all his works; declares the end from the 
beginning. Times are not hidden from the Almighty. All 
time with Him; one indivisible eternal now. Our knowledge; 
but for the present moment, and confined to narrow bounds 
of space and material objects, you known not my thoughts 
nor I yours; hence we do not conceive of the intense power 
of omniscient vision. More especially does he view us now. 
But if we are sincere in our worship, we may invite with joy 
the unerring scrutiny of heaven; and great is our consolation 
that the Lord is greater than our hearts. For "a book of 
remembrance was written before him for them that feared the 
Lord and that thought upon his name." 

How are we grieved at having our best motives misrep- 
resented and misunderstood by men. But the Lord makes no 
mistakes nor does unjustly. He knows and he appreciates 
our charity and faith and patience. He loves the man that 
loves him. His eye is upon them that fear him; upon them 
that hope in his mercy; upon them that trust in him. "A 
meek and quiet spirit is in the sight of God of great price." 
He sees our true humility; our contritions and repentance; 
he counts unto us for righteousness, our faith in Jesus. He 
enters with you into your closets; he knoweth what things 
we need. He knoweth your adversities. He inclineth his. 
ear from heaven to the groaning of the prisoner. He behold- 
eth and requiteth mischief and spite. He knows your re- 
proach and shame. Be this then our prayer: "Let the medi- 
tation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord. Teach 
me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my reins." 



SERMONS. 6$ 

Very different is the case with the impenitent. They put 
far away the day, and either think God does not know, or 
forget that he does. As they wish not to be in sight now, so 
hereafter, and loudly will they call on the rocks to fall on them 
and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. He knoweth 
vain men; he forgetteth not their forgetfulness of him; he 
knows all their pretexts for self indulgence. But dull as we 
are now of sight and knowledge, the day shall come when the 
scales shall fall from mortal vision, and we shall know as we 
are known. 



How Jesus Spent His Sabbath. 

" He entered into the synagogue," etc. He had no wel- 
come there. If the rulers rejoiced to see him, it was that they 
might accuse him; entrap him ; destroy him. He scans the 
silent workings of their hearts; mildly and effectually refutes 
their mental reasonings; disregards their bitter, causeless op- 
position, and heals the poor obedient sufferers. With forti- 
tude and self possession unknown to human nature, with all 
the talent and learning of the land arrayed against him, at the 
peril of his life he entered their synagogue, because the name 
and word of the true God were there, and more especially be- 
cause poor sinners were collected there, and taught and truly 
spake as man never spake. He proved it right to do well on 
the Sabbath day, and sealed his arguments with a deed of 
mercy demonstrative of God-like pity and Almighty power. 
Ye Sabbath-day sleepers, dreamers, loungers, visitors; ye that 
press your beds, and indulge your appetites, and read your 
novels, and crack your jests, behold the example of your Mas- 
ter. In works of mercy, disinterested and unintermitted, he 
spent his Sabbath. " Is the disciple above his master ? the 
servant greater than his lord?" If the Master worked so 
much, is it proper therefore for the servant to do nothing? 

The power of Christ and the duty of obedience. The 
same being whose voice resounded through the void and 
formless infinite, " Let there be light "; said in the accents of 



64 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

mercy to the paralytic, whose arm hung useless at his side, 
"Stretch forth thy hand!" Quicker than the word the 
withered skin expanded, the shrunk muscles filled, the vital 
blood rushed through the dry, cold channels long forsaken, 
and the man extended it whole as the other. He was obedi- 
ent; he did not stay in the obstinacy of sinful human nature 
and pride of human reason, to argue the impossibility and 
absurdity of attempting to use a limb over which his volition 
had no control. He obeyed and witnessed that "Where the 
word of a king is, there is power." 



"Let the wicked forsake his way and the unright- 
eous MAN HIS THOUGHTS." 

But here an objection is made by some that they cannot. 
If you mean that you cannot save yourself from perdition, and 
make your way to the heavenly paradise, then I agree with 
you perfectly; but if you mean that you cannot give attention 
to your soul's affairs, that you cannot leave off sinful habits, 
such as drunkenness, profane swearing, lying, fraud, bad com- 
pany, and even impure and sinful thoughts, then I differ with 
you. And I wish to convince you that you are permitting the 
devil to lead you captive at his will. The common under- 
standing of mankind, the just laws of all civilized nations, are 
at variance with such a sentiment. When a man has been the 
means of his neighbor's death by the accidental discharge of a 
musket, or has unwittingly pushed a beam or wall upon his 
head, who thinks of punishing him as a murderer? But where, 
having planned and compassed his death, he attempts to ex- 
cuse himself by pleading extreme hatred, or a bloodthirsty 
disposition, or overruling destiny, who does not know that it 
aggravates the crime? Who believes the most confirmed 
drunkard when he says that he cannot quit drinking, any more 
than he believes the seller, who says he could not but give the 
liquor because the money was offered? Who believes the 
robber that says he has no other way to get a living, or that 



SERMONS. 65 

he cannot quit the practice because he has been so long accus- 
tomed to it? Men, in the accursed indulgence of their lusts, 
try to persuade themselves that it is fate, an overruling des- 
tiny, that has compelled them to sin, thus charging upon the 
Almighty all the causes and consequences of depravity, and 
making him, instead of the friend and benefactor, the foe and 
the destroyer of the human race. 

But it is the depraved heart and not the rational head of 
man that reasons thus. Thus Adam reasoned when he said, 
"The woman whom thou gavest to be with me caused me to 
eat." And when Adam spoke thus he was depraved Adam; 
righteous Adam no more. When a man is dragged to the 
dram shop, tied hand and foot, a tube thrust down his throat, 
and ardent spirits poured through it into his stomach, the act 
is not his ; he could not help it. But many sins that men 
freely indulge, they could not possibly commit by any agency 
but their own. No power in heaven, earth or hell, compels a 
man to give entertainment to sinful desires. They are child- 
ren of his own; or they become his guests by his own con- 
sent or welcome. " Let the wicked forsake his way, and the 
unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the 
Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for 
he will abundantly pardon," is the command and promise of 
God. And what prevents the instant obedience of every in- 
dividual present? Is it want of benevolence in the Lord? 
He does not lie. It is the resistance of the human will, loaded 
with the weight of original sin, buried in a mass of practical 
transgressions, all arched and coated over with an impenetra- 
ble crust of pride and carnal policy, and polished well by witty 
cavils. "The wicked shall be driven away in his wickedness; 
but the righteous shall have hope in his death." 



66 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



My Friends, What Think Ye of Christ? 

Have you ever made him as much the subject of your 
thoughts as you have your own temporal concerns? You 
have thought the story of the virgin, the manger, the miracles, 
the cross, the resurrection, and all the recorded wonders that 
attended and followed the ministry of Jesus; a curious tale, 
but not extremely interesting; in short, rather dry. Many a 
volume, pretending neither to truth nor probability, unfitted 
either "to raise the genius or to mend the heart," has rivetted 
your attention for hours, while scarcely more minutes have 
left you yawning over the history of the Redeemer. Now 
what is the reason of this distaste? Almost all of us, perhaps, 
quite, that compose this assembly, are considered by our- 
selves, and many of our neighbors, as a decent, good sort of 
people; and much complacency no doubt is felt by many of 
the company, that they are not as other men are. 

But I will specify a means by which each one of us may 
determine pretty accurately the extent of our goodness and 
worthiness in the sight of our Creator and sovereign, disposer of 
our everlasting fate. If we had made and could preserve both 
ourselves and ours, our felicity might reasonably consist in our 
own good opinion of ourselves and our performances; but as 
another Being formed us, and lent us for a short period all that 
we possess, it behooves us carefully to conciliate his regard. 
Now that Being has given us a book containing a brief history 
of his dealings with men, and stating distinctly the duties we 
should perform with all our heart and mind and strength; and 
we are truly good when we delight in the statutes and fully 
keep the commandments registered in that volume. Now a 
heart- felt interest in this book, an unwearied perusal of it, a 
decided preference for it over every other, will prove us good; 
the contrary will prove us not so. The Bible is admitted by 
all of us to be a good book; by many of us the best of books. 
Why then do not all of us good people have a greater relish 
for this good book? The fact is the book is far more excell- 



SERMONS. 67 

ent than we esteem it, and we much less so than we imagine 
ourselves. Its standard of goodness is what the Being, in 
finitely good, uses for his measure, and our imaginary excel- 
lence it treats with neglect and silence. It says very little 
about beautiful women and brave men, ladies of accomplish- 
ments and quality, and gentlemen of spirit and high breeding; 
and nothing in their praise. It pardons no amiable weakness; 
palliates no fashionable vice; and aggravates with affected 
sensibility no imaginary crime. It puts little distinction, in 
point of worthiness, before God, between the self-complacent 
moralist and the notorious sinner; between the amiable, un- 
believing lady and the woman of abandoned character. And 
while thus it places all on equal footing, it declares the proba- 
bility that publicans and harlots shall go into the kingdom of 
heaven before the esteemed and honorable among men. 

Now these are not as agreeable things to the best sort of 
worldly people, nor to any sort, as the praise and flattery be- 
stowed on patriotism, courage, genius, philosophy, splendor 
and beauty. Have we a novel, a history of any description, 
a review, a newspaper, a jest book, a ballad, or even a dream 
book? Ten pages of any of them shall be read by many of 
us before one of the Bible. Are we not ashamed of this? 
Alas! no one blushes, because he knows his neighbor is as 
culpable as he. 

Now the fact is, my friends, many of you do not make it 
your meat and your drink to do the will of your Heavenly 
Father as recorded in that book. You dislike the book and 
him that made it, and those that praise it and tell you the 
plain meaning of its contents. You profess great respect for 
it, but you do not take it for your guide to heaven. "All 
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for 
doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in right- 
eousness ; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly 
furnished with all good works. The Holy Scriptures are able 
to make wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus. 
These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the 
Christ, the Son of God." 

What are your ideas of God? I believe that God is a 
being, having an unchangeable existence from everlasting to 



68 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

everlasting — a spiritual being, of whose mode of existence we 
have no adequate idea; as invisible to our eyes and as impal- 
pable to our touch as our own souls are. An almighty being; 
the source and author of all other existence, spiritual, animal 
and material, and upholding all things by the word of his 
power. A being perfect in knowledge; having infinite dura- 
tion with all its events present to his mind, and infinite space 
with all its objects, like a point before his eye; that his under- 
standing is infinite, discerning and ordaining the best possible 
ends from the best possible means; that he is absolutely just, 
benevolent and holy. "He reigneth, the omnipotent Lord 
God." " In the beginning He created the heaven and the 
earth." " He made the heaven of heavens with all their hosts." 
" There is no unrighteousness in the Lord." "He is glorious 
in holiness." " He is of purer eyes than to behold evil, and 
cannot look on iniquity." "The Lord God is merciful and 
gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." 
"The earth is full of his mercy." "The Lord God is full of 
compassion." " Yet God is angry with the wicked every 
day." 

He has revealed himself to us in scripture as the Father, 
the Son and the Holy Ghost. He says in Isaiah: "I am God, 
and there is none like me ; declaring the end from the begin- 
ning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done; 
saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." 
" He worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." 
"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his 
sight; but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him 
with whom we have to do." 



Men have many motives to fear and to love the Lord 
their God. He is infinitely powerful; he made all things; he 
is God, and none else; has us and all things in his hand, our 
life and our breath; has commanded love and obedience; is 
kind in the gift of nature; when he takes away he only takes 
his own ; he has every perfection — the only perfect being, wise, 
just, holy, unchangeable, eternal; will be our judge and our 



SERMONS. 69 

rewarder or punisher. But powerful as these motives are, they 
are outdone by one — his mercy through Jesus Christ. " In 
thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed," was the 
most glorious communication made to the ancients. And 
Moses looked with deepest interest to that prophet, etc. The 
tuneful harp of the son of Jesse sounds most harmonious in 
the celebration of that glorious Prince, the only begotten Son 
of God, the King of Glory, at whose coming the gates were to 
be lifted up and the everlasting doors opened. The lips of the 
son of Amos dwelt on no theme so grand as that of the child 
that should be, etc. The devout soul of Daniel prophesied of 
the stone cut out without hands, which was to break the king- 
dom of earth and set up another kingdom which shall never 
be destroyed. In short, the most noble theme of Holy Writ, 
of prophets, apostles, saints and angels, is that Lamb that was 
slain, that Jesus who lived and was dead and lives again, and 
reigns for evermore. He endured the cross, he despised the 
shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of 
God. When we view the most merciful Son of God, poor and 
persecuted, unfatigued in doing good, teaching patiently the 
dullest and most perverse minds, and consider that it was for 
us he lived a perfect life, for us he died an ignominious death, 
for us he arose and ascended in triumph and now stands plead- 
ing, showing the scars in his hands and feet — oh! when our 
eyes are opened to see these things as they are, we do not feel 
unconcerned; we wonder, as rational beings, why his wrath 
did not destroy those murderers suddenly. 

But as Christians we rejoice with joy unspeakable and 
full of glory. We are ashamed of our coldness when we re- 
member how our Saviour wept over Jerusalem, for sorrow that 
they would not come unto him and receive the gift of eternal 
life. It is worthy of note that our greatest consolation makes 
us seem ridiculous in the eyes of an unbelieving world. Glo- 
rious, figurative, beautiful, certain distinction between him that 
serveth God and him that serveth him not. Induce a man to 
believe in God, in his power and wisdom, and that he will 
strictly and severely judge, and the man will do anything. 
This is the way of some alarmed sinners; they would give 
thousands of rams, etc., their first-born, make their children 



70 REV.* SAMUEL AARON. 

pass through the fire, make pilgrimages barefooted, fast and 
groan. When a man sees that all these fail, when he under- 
stands the perfect obedience required by the law, he becomes 
rebellious and calls his Maker cruel. Now, the heathen eods 
were represented only a little better than men, though much 
more powerful; it was easy to be reconciled to them. 

But you say, Is there no way of making up this matter? 
If I say to a generous fellow-creature, I am sorry for what I 
have done, he will forgive me. Will not my Maker do the 
same? He will not. But I will never do it again, is not that 
enough? No. But that Christian, or David, or Noah, or 
Peter, or Paul, did worse, and were they not pardoned? They 
were. And shall not I be pardoned for a less crime? You 
shall not, unless you seek and obtain forgiveness through the 
blood of Jesus Christ; he is the one mediator between God 
and man, who gave himself a ransom for all. 



The Garden of Gethsemane. 

This subject is of a deeply pathetic nature, from the char- 
acter of the sufferer and the cause and extent of his sufferings. 
To see a parent with hard, incessant drudgery, and patient self- 
denial, strive from year to year to support his helpless family, is 
to my mind a moving spectacle. But he has the smiles of his 
companion and the caresses of his children to soothe his toil, 
and the hope that they will support his future helplessness. 
Men's feelings are touched by the recollections of the father 
of his country still adhering to his hopeless duty and leading 
his few and feeble ranks to battle, to the struggle for the rights 
of man, while they tracked their way with the blood that oozed 
from their unprotected feet and marked the frozen earth. Men 
are moved by the resolution of such heroes, and look upon 
them with admiration. Let a man give all praise and grati- 
tude to patriots. They left obscurity and ease for toil and 
honor. Christ left the throne of supreme dominion for the 
lowest place on earth. He had no country, no friends, no 
rights. 



SERMONS. 7 1 

There is ground for strong consolation to all those that 
flee for refuge to the suffering Redeemer. These awful suffer- 
ings were not designed to be thrown away; they were too 
great for that. The Lord had often and long before declared 
that he had no pleasure in the death of a sinner; and now, to 
stop all unbelieving mouths, he confirms by dreadful deeds 
what he had sworn to before in solemn words. The God that 
made the heavens and the earth drinks himself the cup of 
wrath prepared for guilty men. It does not pass by him. O, - 
thanks be to his adorable mercy, it does not pass one drop of 
its bitter contents to the penitent sinner; but Jesus drinks it 
all. Therefore, my thoughtful, anxious friend, let me press 
you, in the name of the Lord my God, not to be faithless, but 
believing. Let me urge you by all that is interesting to you 
as man, all that is honoring to your Maker; all that is sweet 
and cheering in hope, all that is black and dismal in despair; 
by all that is pure and lovely in the just made perfect and the 
holy angels, all that is blasphemous and abhorred in devils 
and lost men; by all that is blessed and glorious in heaven, 
all that is accursed and tremendous in hell; by all the terrors 
of the law, and all the promises and encouragements of the 
gospel; by the stern justice of Jehovah, and the tender mer- 
cies of Immanuel, — that you rest not till you have given your- 
self up to Jesus Christ. Defer not till to-morrow what may 
be done to-day. Many a human being before to-morrow will 
be in another world. You may be one of the number. I saw 
a man dying yesterday, who had put off for many years, had 
put off till the very last, what ought to have been done at first, 
and it was an affecting sight. He called on Jesus at times, but 
had little or no assurance of hope to alleviate the agony of 
death. If the great being, who shed forth the glory and riches 
of the universe, who kindled the lustre of the stars and effused 
the dazzling splendor of the sun ; if he from such exaltation 
became so lowly; if the sins of his enemies were imputed to 
him of his own consent; if he became a reproach and by-word 
and the song of the drunkard; if the infinite God did indeed 
submit to dwell for thirty-three years in human flesh, to live in 
abject poverty, subsist on charity, and die a pauper, then there 
is surely encouragement for every humble soul. 



72 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

The shocking case of those that despise the grace of God ! 
My friend, if God the Son, the second person in the glorious, 
equal trinity of God-head, did indeed suffer in that garden of 
Gethsemane such agony as caused him to sweat blood, such 
agony as made the first impulse of his will — his human will — 
a strong desire, a fervent prayer, to shun the conflict, do you 
think that sin can be in the estimation of the Almighty a tri- 
fling matter? When Immanuel agonized and shuddered thus 
in the endurance of its punishment, think you it can fall lightly 
on the sinner's head? When Junius Brutus condemned his 
guilty son to death, the Romans thought it an astonishing ex- 
hibition of his love of justice and hatred of transgression. 
What, then, when the Almighty Father condemns his innocent, 
his spotless, his well beloved, equal son to a most abject life 
and painful death for the crimes of others? Christ had told 
those who came to see and hear him, "And I, if I be lifted up 
from the earth, will draw all men unto me." " I am come a 
light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should 
not abide in darkness." " He that rejecteth me, and receiveth 
not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I 
have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." 



" Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the Sin of 
the World." 

I. It is most shocking to reflect upon the sin of the 
world. Sin made man flee from his Maker. Sin drove him 
from his happy home. Sin blotted and deformed the whole 
face of creation. Sin brought suffering upon the very brutes. 
Sin brought groans and tears and death upon mankind. Sin 
has let loose ungovernable appetites and passions. Sin brought 
death and all its horrors upon the race of man. Sin took away 
all peace in life and all hope in death. Sin destroyed all claim 
to heaven, and made sure and certain an inheritance in hell. 
Sin made us enemies of God, the only good and our only 
friend; and servants of Satan, the adversary of God and man. 
Sin resisted, abused, insulted all messengers of mercy from 



SERMONS. 7 3 

God to man; then murdered the Son of God. But does all 
this apply to us? What was the beginning of all this? The 
eating* of an apple. Did you never do anything so bad? O, 
how shall I paint your dreadful state? Our way through life 
is like a path on the brink of dangerous steeps, over slippery 
rocks; we may fall sooner or later. O, if you lose your soul, 
what suffering is before you through eternity! 

II. It is most delightful to hear that sin can be taken 
away. A great controversy as to the meaning of taking away 
the sin of the world! The virtue of the blood of Christ is cer- 
tainly sufficient for all that apply. Takes away all kinds of 
sin: David's adultery and murder; the thief's public crimes; 
Mary Magdalen's sin ; Zaccheus' dishonesty; everything but 
final unbelief. 

III. How affecting to consider the means used for the 
removal or cure of sin ! Incense smoked upon the altar ; blood 
of lambs and fat of rams offered ; Abel himself bled in defence 
of truth; the deluge came upon a sinful world, but did not 
wash away sin; fire came upon Sodom and Gomorrah; war, 
pestilence and famine were sent; blood of children shed; blood 
of saints and martyrs; death universal and eternal; the Lamb 
of God alone can take away sin. See John's account of him 
and self-abasement before him : Unfit to baptize him ; unfit to 
bear or unloose the latchet of his shoe ; Jesus' sacrifice compared 
to a lamb; offered daily; paschal lamb. See then and believe 
that the whole world lieth in wickedness — gross darkness. 
But a message goes forth. The Baptist in the wilderness first 
proclaims it most plainly. John is like the morning star; he 
brings the light — its first streaks. And when the Sun appears, 
he cries aloud, "Behold the Lamb of God!" 



74 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



Ecc. xi, 9: "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let 

THY HEART CHEER THEE IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH, AND 
WALK IN THE WAYS OF THY HEART, AND IN THE SIGHT OF 
THINE EYES I BUT KNOW THOU, THAT FOR ALL THESE THINGS 
GOD WILL BRING THEE INTO JUDGMENT." 

From fourteen to twenty-one years is the age of action, 
of passion, of self-will, of needful toil, of disappointment, and 
of deep religious impressions. The character is finished. You 
have lost faith and confidence in others, even in your parents. 
But young people ought not to seek exemption from paternal 
restraint. Your state is like the trees in bloom, like the face 
of nature in spring. As we walk abroad in the season of 
spring, among the inimitable works of Nature's God, our senses 
are indulged and our imaginations delighted with the smiling 
beauty and the rich promise of the scene. The genial bosom 
of the air that embraces us is perfumed with mingled fragrance 
by the soft sighing of the western breeze, and thrills with the 
melody of nature's music ; while the green mantle of earth, our 
fruitful mother, is spangled with all her blossoms; painted by 
the sunbeams, God's own pencil, which, as if dipped in the 
rainbow, imparts all its hues combined and simple to the gar- 
ments of spring. Nor is all this profusion of fragrance, of 
melody and beauty, to be thrown away. Health, peace and 
plenty are to follow from it. These flowers are to bring forth 
fruits to satisfy the wants of every living thing. Such is a faint 
picture of material, irrational nature. You will readily see that 
this picture is emblematic of the reality that is about to claim 
our attention. I am on this occasion to address the flower, the 
early growth of God's intelligent and accountable creation. 

In you, my youthful friends, is the moral hope of the com- 
munity, the religious expectation of the church, and to you are 
held out the best promises of heaven. You are by far the 
most interesting objects among all visible things; your wel- 
fare, the most important consideration that can possibly occupy 
the human mind. Your entrance into the world, the protec- 



SERMONS. 75 

tion of your helpless infancy, and the guardianship of your ju- 
venile age, are the cause of more pain, more expense and more 
anxiety than anything else that Providence has ordained. Im- 
mense is the price that the world pays for you, my friends, 
whether we reckon the mother's tremblings, pains and agoniz- 
ing throes; the father's sweat and toil; or the mutual yearn- 
ings and watchings of both, which God has made a parent's 
instinct as a security for the welfare of the offspring. How 
striking an illustration of a part of what I say is found among 
the people called the Shakers. Do we wonder why those socie- 
ties directly become so wealthy? The answer is plain. They 
are comparatively free from the expense of raising children. I 
repeat it, my young friends, you cost the world immensely. 
And what is the inference? You ought to repay it by your 
industry, your virtue, your piety. From you, as our vernal 
blossoms, we must have our summer harvests and our autumnal 
fruit. Let us not be disappointed. When the late frosts nip 
the early buds, and the half-formed fruit drops blasted from 
the tree, we are filled with regret; how much more when the 
moral growth of the soul is destroyed or corrupted, and the 
tree of immortality brings forth fruit unto death. 

I have pointed out resemblances between you and the pro- 
ducts of nature. It is proper now to state a most important 
difference. When the fruit of the earth fails, neither the tree 
nor the plant can be made to answer for the consequences ; 
but when you fail to produce the fruits of virtue and piety, the 
blame rests upon you. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, 
peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, 
temperance: against such there is no law." Young persons 
are more susceptible both of good and evil, and they suppose 
that when old age comes they will be equally open to relig- 
ious impressions and free from worldly embarrassments. But 
the most affecting thought of all is the neglect of our heavenly 
Father till folly and vice have wasted our frames and consumed 
our youthful fire. Death may claim us at any time. To re- 
member our Creator is true religion, is salvation; to do it now, 
true wisdom. Dear young friends, you become negligent of 
parents; you are not apt to think whom your best friends are. 
Ycu like to be flattered, conciliated. You are the source of 



J 6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

intense anxiety to your connections and all lovers of mankind. 
You are soon to occupy the stage of action and take the places 
of your seniors, who will before long occupy their graves. 
You possess almost boundless moral power. The text asserts 
that man is a free agent; he is no machine. Gives the 
reins to man! Is that wrong? It is delightful news to the 
carnal heart, and you have then pleasures in life and in sin. 
You have troubles also, as you suppose, and what are they? 
Restraint and disappointments. But you have many pleasures 
of sin for a season, and you roll it as a sweet morsel. What 
are some of your joys? The thought of youth, the flow of 
spirits? You are full of passions and ardent emotions. Let 
thy heart cheer thee now. You are walking in the ways of 
the heart, enjoying youthful friendship and affection, the voice 
of flattery, and the glance of beauty. Disappointed, the heart 
still tries other pleasures. You tread the mazy dance. You 
indulge, or desire to, the impulse of every appetite. Revel or 
desire to revel in all you think can gratify. The sight of the 
eyes directs you only for some selfish purpose. " But know 
thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judg- 
ment." 

Now, young man, I address you. You have had your 
way. What now? Remember this, " God is not mocked : for 
whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he 
that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption." 
And again, if ye have sown the wind, ye shall reap the whirl- 
wind. Young woman, young women, you have had your joys, 
and your time is nearly over. Remember that! God is call- 
ing you. He says, " Remember now thy Creator in the days 
of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw 
nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them." When 
mature years come, my young friends, they bring judgment 
with them, often pain, poverty, and shame. You now feel, 
generally, a cold indifference towards God. But do not forget 
the last judgment of God — that awful day, when darling sins 
that we have so eagerly embraced shall become a dead car- 
cass. The judgment of God, who can fathom? Some dread- 
ful earthly specimens we have seen around us. I wish I could 
comfort you all. There are very many precious promises in 



SERMONS. J J 

the Scriptures for you. I beseech you to accept the offers of 
mercy and to make your peace with God. "For God shall 
bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, 
whether it be good, or whether it be evil." 



Isa. xliii, 10: "Ye are my witnesses." 

By precept you must testify for the Lord. "I am with 
you to the end of the world." Are we willing to do this ? 
Then God is with us, however humble, if we are only faithful. 
Human agents — women, faithful, pious women. One woman 
preached the gospel to me ; I have never forgotten it. Pre- 
cepts are less forcible than example. You must continue to be 
upright and sincere. Angels cannot do it, for we have no par- 
ticular sympathy with them. Christ as a man showed this. It 
is impossible for human nature not to be affected by a good 
example. We must continue to exert this. Great obligations 
are resting upon Christians. In what manner are we to testify 
for Christ? As if we believed the soul to be immortal — act as 
if we believe it. You say that is true ; but what particular 
thing can we do to show it? Live before the world to show 
that we believe the soul is immortal. If we believe that with 
the heart, we will act it out. A man who lives right will con- 
vince the world that he is in earnest. Live as if sense and 
time are vanity. Take the Christians here. Do they act as if 
they believed earth were a vanity merely for display ? While 
they lived thus, could they preach against extravagance in 
dress, equipage, jewelry? They want to secure the admira- 
tion of the ungodly by endeavoring to lower themselves as far 
as possible to the standard of the world. Let me dress well, 
keep good company, and make no sacrifices. The world will 
say, What a contemptible man ! professing Christ in the church, 
yet taking his glass of wine with us. They despise such Chris- 
tians in their hearts, yet they praise them to their faces. We 
should testify, in the proof we give, of the blessedness of 
Christianity. 



7 8 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

First, possess it. All love that is true makes no outside 
show; married people who really love make no outside show. 
We should show our sense of the danger and guilt of the im- 
penitent — a nice point to settle. Have you a friend you love? 
Let him know your concern for his welfare. Show your anx- 
iety for the erring — be tender and affectionate, being moved 
by Christ's love. Have a high standard of holiness, rather 
than that of great knowledge. We should seek to be perfect 
in our sphere as God is perfect in his sphere. Aim at perfec- 
tion — very high. We must practice self-denial. What good 
will it do a man to wear a long face or look holy? Nature 
tells us to indulge ourselves. God tells us to deny self, to 
give up what pleases us, and do good to others. Those who 
deny themselves most are the happiest. Some say, I cannot 
do this or that; I have no gift. Sabbath -school teachers get 
no pay, but pay the children for coming. Selfishness says it 
is Sunday. I will hire a horse and carriage and drive out and 
look at the beauties of nature, or enjoy myself reading. Here 
are children perishing in America. You must take them very 
young; show them you love them. You cannot force or drive 
people into good behaviour. Young woman, give up your 
party and go to the home of the poor drunkard ; take some 
gifts with you to comfort and soothe those who are suffering 
or in sorrow, and God will meet you there. Visit the widow 
and fatherless in their affliction, and keep yourself unspotted 
from the world. You Christian men, who have your thou- 
sands, help your poor neighbor. He is a noble soul, but poor; 
can only pay you five per cent, interest; do not ask him to 
give you seven and three-tenths. Jesus Christ says help him. 
Throw off the two and three -tenths ; that will be self-denial, and 
it will prove you have got the right standard. By loving our 
brother we prove we love God. If you are wealthy, have a 
tender regard for all the suffering; help them to buy homes. 
Spread the table-cloth of God's great table and hand out of 
your abundance to the needy; it would prove that you are in 
earnest and a follower of him who went about doing good. 
You know what God said: " He that hath pity upon the poor, 
lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given will he 
pay him again." "If riches increase, set not your heart upon 



SERMONS. 79 

them." "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a 
needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." 

Men of ability, lay off hope of honor. Suppose you are 
appointed a legislator. Make laws for the widows and the 
fatherless; strive to promote virtue in public life — this would 
be self-denial. Be all that is noble. The true Christian has 
courage, patriotism, love of the human race. Self-denial we 
must practice if we follow Christ. Election is coming. We 
show our religion by the way we vote — pray three hundred 
and sixty-four days and vote for the devil on the three hun- 
dred and sixty-fifth. Our voting is a prayer, and when I vote 
for a drunken, unprincipled man, it is equivalent to a prayer 
to the Almighty. I'll vote for no unprincipled man; no, 
never. If good men would scratch out the names of those 
unworthy to fill public offices, there are enough to prevent 
their nomination. All Christian men have integrity; they sell 
goods for one price; there is no deceit, no guile about them, 
and they will be sustained. 

My friends, you have professed to be followers of Christ. 
Remember that "we are witnesses," and the thoughtless read 
men rather than their Bibles. Live up to that high standard 
which has been held up before you ; take Christ for your 
model, and God will help you and bless you. 



Johni: 9. — "That was the true light which light- 

ETH EVERY MAN THAT COMETH INTO THE WORLD." 

I. I shall endeavor to prove, my beloved hearers, that 
divine revelation is the. only source of light that man has ever 
had to direct him in moral and religious duties. 

II. And that this source of light has more or less shed 
its beams on Adam and all his posterity. 

I shall blend together the arguments for the support of 
these two conclusions, and then try to apply the subject to 
our own particular use. Permit me to notice some erroneous 



SO REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

opinions, which it is hoped my general arguments will refute. 
For instance, many believe, or say they believe, that we have 
an inborn sense or perception of the moral fitness of things ; 
that is, that we are perfect judges of right and wrong as we 
are formed by nature, without any revelation from God or in- 
struction from man. Others believe that our Creator pours 
the light of his own spirit into the heart and understanding of 
every human being, and distinctly reveals to him the rule of 
life and the hopes of immortality. These two classes, there- 
fore, of misbelievers (if we dare not call them unbelievers) 
maintain, or are bound to maintain, that if a child were born 
in a wilderness, and nourished and brought up by wolves, he 
would as infallibly know his moral duties and his immortal 
hopes as Moses, the man of God, or Paul, the apostle of Jesus. 
I shall notice none of the particular species of misbelief, but 
proceed to state most solemnly the reasons why I think the 
aforesaid doctrines, and all derived from them, are far from 
true, and that the Word of God alone is the true light, and 
that it does directly or indirectly enlighten every man that 
cometh into the world. For what law-giver, what poet, what 
philosopher, of very ancient times, ever pretended to discover 
by his own reasoning the existence of God, or the doctrine of 
future rewards and punishments? 

Two of the wisest of the ancient heathen declare that "no 
mortal can make laws to purpose," and that "laws are the gift 
of God"; and that it would have been impossible for the dif- 
ferent and numerous nations of the earth to have fallen upon 
the same general principles of moral rectitude which their laws 
express, had not these principles proceeded at first from the gods 
and been handed down from father to son. All heathen na- 
tions also speak of an ancient flood, of the origin of nations, 
and of the divine institution of religion. The part of the world, 
too, where Moses wrote is that agreed upon by all other an- 
cient authors as the earliest seat of learning and civilization* 
and the point whence all knowledge first arose. In the bewil- 
dering superstitions of all nations we discover traces of the first 
principles of our religious faith — that is, the rite of sacrifice, 
which has ever existed among all tribes of the earth. Now, 
this universal custom cannot well be attributed to human rea- 



SERMONS. 5 f 



son. It has been a costly practice, when it has required the 
choice of the flocks and herds; it has been a most painful re- 
quisition, when it demanded a darling child to pass through 
fire to Moloch. 



GENERAL REMARKS ON SCRIPTURE. 

Bible on Wine and Strong Drink. — i. Passages that seem 
neutral as to wine and strong drinks. — Prove the practice of 
drinking: In Esther the banquet of wine is repeatedly spoken 
of. Job i, 13: "And there was a day when his sons and his 
daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest bro- 
ther's house." Proves fermentation: Job xxxii, 19, "Behold, 
my body is as wine that hath no vent; it is ready to burst like 
new bottles." Ecc. ii, 3, "I sought in my heart to give my- 
self to wine." Ecc. *x, 19, "A feast is made for laughter, and 
wine maketh merry." I have purposely omitted Canticles. 
Isa. xxiv, 11, "There is a crying for wine in the streets." 

Passages seeming to approve of wine. — Gen. xiv, 18, "And 
Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine ; 
and he was the priest of the most high God." The great abund- 
ance and common use: Gen. xlix, 11, 12, "Binding his foal 
to the vine, and his ass's colt to the choice vine, he washed his 
garments in wine and his clothes in the blood of grapes. His 
eyes shall be red with wine, and his teeth white with milk." 
The temple service: Ex. xxix, 40. An offering: Lev. xxiii, 
13; Num. xv, 5; Deut. xiv, 26, "Thou shalt bestow that mo- 
ney for whatever thy soul lusteth after: for oxen, or for sheep, 
or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul de- 
sireth," etc. Proverbially good: Judges ix, 13, "And the vine 
said to them, Should I leave my wine which cheereth God and 
man and go to be promoted over the trees?" So common as 
to be taken on journeys: Judges xix, 19, "There is both straw 
and provender for our asses, and there is bread and wine also 
for me, and for thy hand-maid, and for the young man," etc. 
To cheer and nourish: II Sam. xvi, 2, "The wine that such as 
are faint in the wilderness mav drink." 



82 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Passages seeming to approve of wine. — Neh. v, 15-18, 
speaks of bread and wine in connection as tribute. Taxed. 
Mentioned with harvests: " In those days saw I in Judah some 
treading wine-presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, 
and leading asses; as also wine, grapes and figs." Used to 
strengthen and enliven: Ps. lxxviii, 65, "Then the Lord 
awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shout- 
eth by reason of wine." Ps. civ, 15, "Wine that maketh glad 
the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread 
which strengthened man's heart." Emblematic of heavenly 
feasting and enjoyment: Prov. ix, 2, "She hath killed her 
beasts, she hath mingled her wine, she hath also furnished her 
table." To medicate and cheer: Prov. xxxi, 6, 7, " Give strong 
drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be 
of heavy hearts. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and 
remember his misery no more." 

Passages favorable to wine. — Isa. i, 22, "Thy silver is be- 
come dross, thy wine mixed with water." Extreme of want 
shown by mixture: Isa. xxv, 6, "A feast of fat things, a feast 
of wines on the lees; a feast of fat things full of marrow, of 
wines on the lees well refined." Isa. Iv, I, "Ho! every one 
that thirsteth, come ye," etc. Evangelical figure: Jer. xl, 12, 
"And gathered wine and summer fruits very much." Jer. 
xlviii, 33, "And joy and gladness is taken from the plentiful 
field; and I have caused wine to fail from the wine-presses." 
Dan. x, 3, "I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor 
wine in my mouth," etc. Hos. ii, 9, "Therefore will I return, 
and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the 
season thereof," etc. Zech. x, 7, "The restored shall rejoice 
as through wine." Luke vii, 33, 34, "John the Baptist came 
neither eating bread nor drinking wine," etc. John ii, 3, 9, 10, 
"When they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith to him, 
They have no wine"; "When the ruler of the feast had tasted 
the water that was made wine," etc.; "Every man at the be- 
ginning doth set forth good wine," etc. I Tim. v, 23, "Drink 
no longer water, but use a little wine," etc. 

Passages unfavorable to the use of such drinks. — The 
drunkenness and denunciation: Gen. ix, 20, "And Noah 
planted a vineyard. And he drank of the wine, and was 



SERMONS. 83 

drunken." Gen. xix, 32. Num. vi, 3, of the Nazarite, " He 
shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall 
drink no vinegar of wine, nor vinegar of strong drink ; neither 
shall he drink any liquor of grapes," etc. A good definition 
of modern wines: Deut. xxxii, 32, 33, "For their vine is of the 
vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah : their grapes are 
grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: their wine is the poi- 
son of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps." 

Passages against wine. — I Sam. i, 14, "And Eli said to 
her, How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away thy wine 
from thee." A good description of being drunk and getting 
sober: I Sam. xxv, 36, 37, " Nabal's heart was merry within 
him, for he was very drunken: and it came to pass in the 
morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife 
had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and 
he became as a stone." The stimulus to sin: II Sam. xiii, 28, 
"Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark 
ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with w r ine, and when I 
say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have 
not I commanded you? be courageous; fear not." A family 
quarrel: Esther i, 10, " On the seventh day, when the heart of 
the king was merry with wine, he commanded to bring Vashti 
the queen before the king, to show the people and the princes 
her beauty." Emblem of Jehovah's wrath: Ps. lxxv, 8, "For 
in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it 
is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the 
dregs thereof, all the wicked shall wring them out, and drink 
them." Prov. xx, i, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is rag- 
ing; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Prov. 
xxiii, 29-32, "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath 
contentions? who hath babblings? who hath wounds without 
cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at 
the wine. * * Look not thou upon the wine when it is red. 
* * At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an 
adder." Fashionable and respectable drinking: Prov. xxxi, 
4, 5, "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink 
wine, nor for princes strong drink: lest they drink, and for- 
get the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." 
Isa. v, II, 12, "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morn- 



84 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

ing, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until 
night, till wine inflame them! And the harp and the viol, and 
the tabret and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts," etc. Isa. v, 
22, "Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine," etc. 

Clerical and priestly drinking: Isa. xxviii, I, 7, "Woe to 
the crown of pride, to the drunkards," etc. "They also have 
erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the 
way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong 
drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way 
through strong drink," etc. Isa. lvi, 10-12, " His watchmen 
are blind: * * they are all ignorant, they are all 
dumb dogs. * * Yea, they are greedy dogs which 
can never have enough. * * Come ye, say they, I 
will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink." 
Jer. xxiii, 9, " Mine heart within me is broken because of the 
prophets; all my bones shake: I am like a drunken man, and 
like a man whom wine hath overcome." Emblem of the wrath 
of God : Jer. xxv, 15," For thus saith the Lord God of Israel : 
Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the 
nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it." Jer. xxxv, the 
Rechabites; blessing of God. Curse of God: Jer. li, 7, " Baby- 
lon hath been a golden cup in the Lord's hand, that made all 
the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; 
therefore the nations are mad." Daniel's scruple: Dan. i, 8, 
"Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself 
with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which 
he drank." 

Fashionable, genteel drinking: Dan. v, Belshazzar's fatal 
feast. Joel i, v, "Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, 
all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut 
off from your mouth." Joel iii, 3, "And they have cast lots 
for my people; and have given a boy for a harlot, and sold a 
girl for wine, that they may drink." Amos vi, 4, 6, " Lie upon 
beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and 
eat the lambs out of the flock," etc. "That drink wine in 
bowls," etc. Micah ii, 11, "If a man walking in the spirit and 
falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and 
of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people." 



SERMONS. 85 

The traffic. Adverse to strong drink: Hab. ii, 15, " Woe 
unto him that giveth his neighbor drink, that puttest thy bot- 
tle to him, and makest him drunken," etc. Eph. v, 18, "And 
be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess," etc. I Tim. iii, 3, 
8, "A bishop must not be given to wine." "A deacon not 
given to much wine." Titus i, 7, "A bishop not given to 
wine." Titus ii, 3, "The aged women must not be given to 
much wine." I Pet. iv, 3, "For the time past of our life may 
suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we 
walked in lusts, excess of wine," etc. Tremendous curse of 
God: Rev. xvi, 19, "The cup of the wine of the fierceness of 
his wrath." Rev. xvii, 2, "The wine of Babylon," etc. Rev. 
xiv, 10, "The worshipper of the beast shall drink of the wine 
of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into 
the cup of his indignation." I Cor. x, 21, "Ye cannot drink 
the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils." 



Quotations Respecting Omnipotence. 

Creation. — " In the beginning God created the heavens and 
the earth." He spake, and it was done. Vastness and variety. 
— "The heavens declare the glory of God. He spreadeth out 
the heavens, and treadeth on the waves of the sea ; he maketh 
Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers' of the south; 
he doeth great things, past finding out: yea, and wonders with- 
out number. He stretcheth out the north over the empty 
place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. He bindeth up 
the waters in the thick clouds, and the cloud is not rent under 
them; he hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the 
day and night come to an end." The ease with which he 
works, etc. — " He brake up for the sea a decreed place, and 
set bars and doors, and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, and 
no further, etc. He looketh to the end of the earth, and seeth 
under the whole heaven to make the weight for the winds; to 
weigh the waters by measure; to make a decree for the rain, 
and a way for the lightning of the thunder. Who hath mea- 



S6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

sured the waters in the hollow of his hand, meted out heaven 
with a span, comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, 
weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?" 

His terrible power. — "The pillars of heaven tremble, and 
are astonished at his reproof; he divideth the sea by his power. 
He removeth the mountains, and they know it not. He over- 
turned! them in his anger, he shaketh the earth out of her 
place, and the pillars thereof tremble; he commandcth the sun, 
and it riseth not, and sealeth up the stars." Subjection of all 
creatures. — "He maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a 
flame of fire. They veil their faces before his throne. It is he 
that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants are 
as grasshoppers, as the dust of the balance, less than nothing, 
and vanity. He bringeth princes to nothing; he setteth up 
one and putteth down another; the angels that sinned he cast 
down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to 
be reserved unto judgment." The closing scene. — The dead 
of all ages shall hear his voice. The sea shall give up the dead 
which are in it. "And before him shall be gathered all na- 
tions, and he shall separate them one from another. Then 
shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye 
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you 
from the foundation of the world. Then shall he say also unto 
them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into ever- 
lasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. And these 
shall go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into 
life eternal." ' The power of these amazing views consist in 
their truth. 

Contrast with heathen or uninspired productions. 

Cleanthus, the stoic. — " Hail, O Jupiter, most glorious of 
the immortals, invoked under many names, always most pow- 
erful, the first ruler of nature, whose laws govern all things. 
Hail! for to address thee is permitted to all mortals, for our 
race we have from thee; we mortals who creep upon the 
ground, receiving only the echo of thy voice. I, therefore, I 
will celebrate thee, and will always sing thy power. All this 
universe rolling round the earth obeys thee wherever thou 
guidest, and willingly is governed by thee. So vehement, so 
fiery, so immortal is the thunder which thou holdest in thy un- 



SERMONS. 87 

shaken hands; for by the stroke of this all nature was rooted; 
by this, thou directest the common reason which pervades all 
things mixed with the greater and lesser luminaries, so great 
a king art thou supreme through all; nor does any work take 
place without thee in the earth, nor in the ethereal sky, nor in 
the sea, except that the bad perform in their own folly. But 
do thou, O Jupiter, ruler of the thunder, defend mortals from 
dismal misfortune, which dispel, O Father, from the soul; and 
grant it to attain that judgment, trusting to which thou gov- 
ernest all things with justice; that being honored, we may re- 
pay thee with honor, singing continually thy works, since there 
is no greater meed to men nor gods than to celebrate justly 
the universal law." 

Omnipresence stated in Scripture. — "Whither shall I go 
from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" 
etc. " In him we live and move and have our being." 



Mark viii, 36: "What shall it profit a man if he gain 

THE WHOLE WORLD AND LOSE HIS OWN SOUL." 

The religion of Jesus Christ has one transcendent supe- 
riority over all others: it has nothing whatever belonging to 
it calculated to make hypocrites. Men may charge this sin 
upon the professed friends of Christ, but they cannot charge 
the temptation to commit it upon Christ himself. For the pre- 
scribed service of Christ is, in the opinion of the world, hard 
labor for life; a forfeiture of property, reputation and life it- 
self, without any valuable or substantial reward; the giving up 
all we have, and nothing to show for it. The sincerest and 
most devoted friends of Christ have never pretended that they 
expected any other reward than that, that impenitent persons 
consider wholly ideal, " Faith the substance of things hoped 
for, and the evidence of things not seen; and hope that is with 
patience waited for," and that maketh, as the Christian believes 
and trusts, not ashamed. 



88 REY. SAMUEL AARON. 

Dan. vi, 10: "Now when Daniel knew that the writ- 
ing WAS SIGNED, HE WENT INTO HIS HOUSE; AND HIS WINDOWS 
BEING OPENED IN HIS CHAMBER TOWARD JERUSALEM, HE KNEELED 
UPON HIS KNEES THREE TIMES A DAY AND PRAYED, AND GAVE 
THANKS BEFORE HIS GOD, AS HE DID AFORETIME." 

There are some people who complain that they see no 
especial use in the details of the Old Testament histories. They 
are so different from the more modern histories. They tell us 
so little of the wealth of great kings, of wars, of all that makes 
up the splendor of a realm; so little of politics; but the details 
are mostly made up of the moral conduct of individuals. The 
proper reply to this complaint is that there is no saving im- 
portance in the politics of past nations, and the departure of 
the Bible in setting forth the whole moral action of people, in 
telling us how men stood, how they rose, how they fell, and 
how they triumphed in their own souls, is of far greater im- 
portance as a record to be read by every tried and tempted 
soul in every age. This departure alluded to is a proof that 
these writings came from that God who cares for the human 
soul. And after all, what is it in novels which interest their read- 
ers so ? Is it not because there is exhibited to us a true picture 
of character ? Novels when written well show us models of char- 
acter which we may safely imitate ; and in this they are useful. 
Sir Walter Scott's, for instance, give us a type of a nation. 

Perhaps no one stands higher than Daniel among the 
Scripture writings. He seems entirely faultless, and is men- 
tioned with honor. The point of this discourse will be the 
importance of an established character — a moral, resolute 
Christian character. Daniel, in his early youth, was taken 
captive by the great Babylonian conqueror Nebuchadnezzar, 
and instructed in all the thorough scientific knowledge of the 
renowned Chaldeans. Daniel became in time superior to 
them all; he held high office under seven kings, was a lead- 
ing statesman, and at the age of eighty years occupied a posi- 
tion corresponding to that of prime minister under the Median 
king, Darius. Neither his love of learning, nor the tempta- 
tions of office, could draw him away from the high religious 
principles which he professed. The prophecies of Daniel dis- 
tinctly pointed out the Saviour. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



Circular Letter by Rev. S. Aaron at the Central Union 
Association of Independent Baptist Churches, June, 
1855. 

To the Churches. — Dear Brethren : The subject prescribed 
for the present communication is " Restricted Communion." 
The writer appointed prefers to present this topic in the form 
of a colloquy. Suppose that a pious " Pedobaptist," or rather 
Pedorantist, or sprinkler of babes and others, be represented 
by P.; a conscientious Baptist, decidedly Biblical, by B. ; and 
a liberal Christian, not strenuously devoted to ordinances, by 
L. They are thrown together for an evening, and, with a 
friendly and confidential temper, engage in the following con- 
ference : 

L. — What a pity it is that the seamless garment of Christ 
is rent into so many divisions. The thoughtless, unbelieving 
world are not without excuse when they ridicule such disunity 
and confusion in the Christian church. 

B. — In my judgment, division on principle is better than 
union without it. The solidarity of Popery in the twelfth cen- 
tury, when darkness and light, bigotry and piety, virtue and 
vice, faith and infidelity, were soldered into a mass by inquisi- 
torial fire and fastened together by the clamps of Papal infal- 
libility, was a state of the church less profitable to the world 
than the abused privileges of Protestant freedom. Our pure 
standard of truth, with a little phalanx of the faithful gathered 
around it, is a better instrumentality for saving mankind than 
the whole babbling mob of Russia or of Rome, driven by the 
lash of authority or lured by holiday shows. 

L. — You are too figurative, Brother B. I want unity, 
with purity and order too. Is not that possible? 



90 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

B. — If it is, it must form around a central truth. Order 
cannot come out of chaos while confusion is law; chaos may 
come to order when truth is law. Let men adhere firmly to 
the Divine Word, and nothing else, and union will be the con- 
sequence in God's time and way. 

P. — Well, Brother B., you speak plausibly; but, really, 
you Baptists carry out your principle with too much vigor. 
You seem to me sternly and even stubbornly exclusive, and 
verge towards bigotry in your close communion. You refuse 
acknowledged Christians a place with you when you sit down 
to eat and drink to the memory of our common Lord. You 
have no right thus to shorten the Lord's table. 

B. — Well said is this last sentence, my worthy brother. 
But what better right have you to lengthen it? It is the 
Lord's table, and not ours; he, and not we, must regulate its 
dimensions, for he assuredly, and not we, provides the feast. 

P. — All right, except the hint that we lengthen it. 

B. — Pardon me! I inferred from your remarks about 
Baptists refusing acknowledged Christians, that you admit or 
at least invite pious Quakers, and in fact every one who has a 
hope in Christ. 

P. — No, sir; we hold that baptism is an essential prere- 
quisite to communion, and that this is the clear and palpable 
limit of the Lord's table. 

B. — Excellent; we are really coming together. 

P. — Not so fast, I fear, for you Baptists will not admit 
the validity of our baptism. 

B. — But you fully admit the validity of ours. 

P. — Certainly; and therein we display our charity and 
your exclusiveness. 

B. — I am glad of your admissions, and we shall certainly 
get together. Suppose that some great point of Christian 
union were proposed to be carried, so that millions of breth- 
ren now disunited could be gathered into one visible fold ; 
suppose that this union could be effected by a simple act of 
the majority, with almost no inconvenience to any one, and 
without the slightest violation of any man's conscience, would 
it not be the duty of that majority to effect that union? 



MISCELLANEOUS. 9 1 

P. — Undoubtedly it would, if I understand your hypoth- 
esis. 

B. — Well, you admit that I am scripturally baptized, and 
that you would be perfectly satisfied with such a baptism for 
yourself and your brethren; while I dare not for my life ad- 
mit that you have been baptized at all, though I love you as a 
Christian brother. 

P.— Be it so. And what then? 

B. — Why, then let you and all of your order be baptized 
as I am, and then we shall form not only a spiritual but a visi- 
ble union. 

P. — What, three-fourths of the church give way to one- 
fourth? Why, Brother B., are you coming out a bigot in 
earnest? 

B. — Well, my friend, if you will not act in agreement with 
your conscience for the sake of union, and yet require me to 
violate mine for the same end, or be deemed a bigot, I leave it 
to others to decide which is the greater bigot of the two. 

P. — I confess my charge of bigotry was rather hasty. 
But while all our learned teachers admit the validity of your 
mode as well as ours, still should we not violate conscience 
in being re-baptized ? 

B. — Not if you have received the right in unconscious 
infancy, because your conscience is not bound by another's 
acts, in which you had not the slightest participation, when 
that act is neither required nor sanctioned by the Lord. No 
man pretends that there is in scripture a positive order, a 
practical example, nor a specific sanction to warrant the bap- 
tism of children. 

P. — Still my parents dedicated me to the Lord in bap- 
tism, and I should wound their conscience or insult their 
memory in being re-baptized. 

B. — They were too fast in the dedication, unless they 
taught you first. For the Lord's commission is: "Teach all 
nations, baptizing them," and " He that believeth and is bap- 
tized, shall be saved." And besides, if you throw the respon- 
sibility off yourself and on your parents, then they are bound 
by my former proposition, as adults, as you tacitly concede 
that you are, for the sake of general Christian union, to agree 



92 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

that you should be baptized as I have been, or else admit that 
their bigotry is greater than mine. 

P. — But what if a man has been baptized, as I think, or 
rantized, as you say, on profession of his faith, and with a 
good conscience? Is it not sacriligious to repeat the ordi- 
nance in that case? 

B. — I should be scrupulous about repeating a doubtful 
baptism ; and nothing is more doubted by many, nor more 
disbelieved by others, than that sprinkling or affusion is bap- 
tism ; but I should be clear in substituting for it an ordinance 
whose validity no sane, believing man ever doubted, when by 
so doing I would aid in effecting a world-wide Christian union. 
Various modes of baptism are about as plausable as various 
modes of circumcision. 

L. — Come, Brother B., you have been rather too exacting 
on Brother P., and he has conceded a little too much for his 
logical comfort. But where is your scripture for making bap- 
tism a condition or pre-requisite of communion? 

B. — Do you believe that both ordinances are equally 
positive, that is established and prescribed by the Lord, and 
real requisites of a true Christian consistency? 

L. — I will at least concede it to hear what you have 
to say. 

B. — Well, that is the great point. Baptism and the 
Lord's Supper have most assuredly been imposed as requi- 
sites of an orderly Christian profession. The one, performed 
once to show our belief in the one great fact of our Lord's 
death and resurrection; the other, repeated often to show that 
we live by the offering of his body and blood forever. If 
both are equally requisites, one must be, with regard to the 
other, the pre-requisite, and the other, the post-requisite ; and 
scripture practice fully settles the order of sequence. " Teach " 
or "disciple all nations, baptizing them," said Jesus; and "he 
took the cup and gave it to his disciples." 

L. — I wish you were as liberal as your sentiments, and 
as tender in your feelings as you are plausible in your argu- 
ments; for certainly the children of our father, the brothers 
and sisters of the same redeemer, ought not to be excluded 
from the feast of love celebrated in honor of the Saviour's 



MISCELLANEOUS. 93 

name. It is cruel to shut out one of his humblest or weakest 
children. 

B. — Sentiment and feeling are probably not so good a 
rule of order as a divine command. But as you seem to be 
returning to the point at which we started, and are in your 
turn becoming figurative, I reply in your own style, that I 
would not permit my own best loved child to sit with me at 
my own table until his uncleanly face and hands had first 
been purified. Why then press to the table of my Lord the 
man who had manifestly neglected a positive duty, the sym- 
bolic application of the baptismal waters, and the sublime type 
of the Christian resurrection. 

L. — But how haughty and unkind to say to a fellow- 
Christian, " Stand off; I am holier than thou!" 

B. — It is still more unkind to sanction an error than to 
reprove it; to believe before God that a brother is wrong, and 
then do nothing to set him right. 



Gaming and Horse-Racing. 

Resolved, that the practice of wagering on a horse race 
or on a game of chance, is a violation of the precept, "Thou 
shalt not steal," as well as a presumptuous appeal to providence 
for a supposed favor, and that for these reasons, mainly, horse- 
racing and gaming should be prohibited by law. 

We are apt to dwell on the incidental evils ; — I would aim 
here at the root — the unlawful love of money. Incidental 
mischief is connected with everything. We can lawfully re- 
ceive for an equivalent or as a free gift. How else can we 
rightfully get the property of another? Does his consent 
sanction the acceptance as moral and just? He does not 
consent. He cannot bestow. The temptation is offered by 
each to the other to defraud. God is tempted to bestow my 
neighbor's goods causelessly on me. For these reasons the 
resorts of horse-racers and gamblers should be broken up. 

Civil society is an organization, dictated by nature and 
inspiration. It distinctly implies and demands the existence 



94 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

of the moral virtues. Civil government is its instrument for 
certain purposes. Government is not to regulate matters of 
opinion but to prevent evils in fact. 



Infidelity. 



Norristown, 1854. From reliable sources I learn that 
Mr. Joseph Barker " undertakes to prove against any clergy- 
man on earth, that there is no evidence of the divine author- 
ity of the Bible, and that there can be none." Being a " clergy- 
man on earth," though of the humblest pretentions, I feel dis- 
posed to put this extraordinary proposition to the test ; for it 
is truly wonderful if the weakest followers of Jesus can ad- 
duce no proof whatever of the divine authority of the Bible, 
and absolutely amazing if the Supreme Being himself is unable 
to do it. But as the Bible is to be taken from us and infidel- 
ity substituted in its place, it seems fair to give that substitute 
a thorough examination. If this proposition contemplates a 
fair and thorough examination and comparison of infidelity 
and Christianity, and not a mere fencing with phrases and 
clauses, I feel disposed to assist Mr. Barker in publicly ex- 
amining and comparing the two systems ; and will endeavor to 
maintain, first, that infidelity has no authority nor tendency to 
make men good and happy, but the contrary, and is therefore 
false; second, that Christianity (the religion of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ), as fully developed in the New Testa- 
ment, and foreshadowed in the Old, is adapted to make, and 
does make, every true believer both good and happy, and is 
therefore true; third, that the Bible is a revelation from God, 
and that the objections of infidels against its authority are 
without any solid foundation. 

Samuel Aaron. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 95 



Samuel Aaron's Certificate of Ordination. 

To all people to whom these presents shall come, the subscribers 
send greeting: 

Being convened at New Britain, Bucks county, and State 
of Pennsylvania, on the 27th day of September, 1828, at the 
instance of the Baptist church of New Britain, aforesaid, for 
the purpose of setting apart by solemn ordination the bearer 
hereof to the sacred office of the ministry; and being, by 
sufficient testimonials, fully certified of his moral character, 
real piety, and sound knowledge in divine things, as well as 
ministerial gifts and abilities, whereof we had otherwise due 
knowledge: We did, therefore, on the said 27th day of 
September, in the presence of said church and a full assembly 
met, solemnly ordain and set apart to the sacred office of the 
ministry, by imposition of hands and prayer and other rituals 
among us in that case in use, the said bearer, our worthy and 
reverend brother, Samuel Aaron, whom we therefore recom 
mend as such to favor and respect. 

Thos. B. Montanye, V. D. M. 
Joseph Mathias, V. D. M. 
John L. Jenkins, V. D. M. 
John L. Dagg, V. D. M. 



The Baptist Church at Norristozvn, Pennsylvania, to the Ce?itral 
Union Baptist Association of Independent Baptist Churches, 

GREETING : 

Beloved Brethren: — This church, since the last meeting 
of the Association, have received by baptism 33, by letter 13, 
dismissed by letter 8, excluded 8, lost by death 2, making the 
whole number 291, being a net gain to the numbers of the 
church on earth of 28, and to the denomination of 23. 

The delegates appointed to sit with you are Elder Sam- 
uel Aaron, Elder David Bernard, Brethren B. F. Hancock, 
James Ramage, Thomas Shaw, Phinehas Phillips, George 



96 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Eve, Thomas Scattergood, Geo. W. Thomas, Samuel D. Phil- 
lips, and Joseph Abraham. 

The statistics of the Sabbath school is as follows, viz. : 
Children considered under supervision of the school, 140. 
Whole number of teachers, 16. Officers — Superintendent and 
Assistant Superintendent, 2. Librarians, 2. Scholars bap- 
tized during the year, 3. 

1. Nearly a year since our late pastor, Elder Bernard, 
who was frequently and unavoidably from home on a highly 
important religious enterprise, associated with himself in pul- 
pit labors Brother J. N. Hobart, whose services, as well as 
those of the pastor, were useful, faithful and satisfactory. 

2. Brother Bernard, believing that the engagement above 
alluded to demanded his whole time, advised the church of 
his determination to decline the pastoral charge at the close 
of March last; whereupon, after some consideration, they 
elected as their pastor Elder Samuel Aaron, who entered on 
the duties of his office on the first Lord's day in the last 
month. Thus far the congregations have not fallen away; 
but, as with his predecessors, have been full and very atten- 
tive, and there seems to be a reasonable hope that the Lord 
will bless the connection. 

3. The Sabbath school has been a favorite and favored 
nursery of this church. A number among its worthiest mem- 
bers have devoted themselves to it with a fervid and long- 
enduring zeal and charity; and the recent determination of 
the teachers to give away their much worn library, and to 
raise seventy-five dollars for a new one, is a pleasing proof 
that their energy is neither dead nor dying. The superin- 
tendent, Brother Hancock, says in his late report: "The 
teachers can all call each other brother and sister in the, 
Lord." Some of the brethren likewise labor in a school 
several miles from the borough, and are much encouraged 
with appearances of the divine blessing on their efforts. 

4. The church are in principle opposed to the use of 
intoxicating drinks, and would surely discipline a dram-drink- 
ing or dram-selling member, and commend the same rule to 
their brethren. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 97 

5. They believe that the saints are not their own, but 
bought with a price, and that their silver and gold are the 
Lord's; therefore, that their personal service and their sub- 
stance should be unreservedly devoted to the real cause of 
God, so as to give a translated Bible and the gospel through 
a pious ministry to every human soul, as well as consolation 
and aid to saints in affliction, poverty and bondage. 

6. They believe in the total and universal depravity of 
man, which must inevitably produce his everlasting ruin, un- 
less through the influence of the Holy Spirit he becomes 
reconciled to God by a gospel repentance and by faith in 
Christ Jesus; and that he only is proved to be a child of 
grace who perseveres to glory. They therefore approve of 
the incessant and urgent use of all scriptural efforts for the 
conversion of sinners and confirmation of believers. 

7. They deem the church of Christ no fit asylum for any 
form of sin. But while immorality, profanity and falsehood 
are excluded, they mourn that the New Testament idolatry, 
the worship of Mammon, is not only tolerated in many of our 
churches but often rules supreme. This covetous spirit re- 
jects the apostle's rules of "equality" in contribution; it often 
puts a faithful and humble ministry on short allowance; it 
hardly does so much as say to naked, hungry poverty, "be 
warmed and filled;" it owes so many debts on accumulating 
property that it has scarcely a dollar to lend to the Lord ; its 
votaries are found even in the precincts of Zion, who drive a 
profitable trade in "liquid death and distilled damnation," and 
thousands indulge in dignified luxurious ease which flows 
from the church-sanctioned ownership of human sinews, bones 
and blood. This church are of opinion that the arm of dis- 
cipline should scourge such money getters from the temple. 

8. Finally, we cordially welcome you to our place of 
worship, to our firesides and our hearts, and may your doings 
amongst us be such as to prove you not only "the messengers 
of the churches," but the "glory of Christ"; guided by that 
wisdom "that is first pure, then peaceable, full of mercy, and 
without partiality;" not controlled by that caution which is 
first cowardly, then crafty, and finally treacherous, both to 
Christ and the brethren. 

Adopted Lord's day, May 24, 1841. 



98 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



Agreement to Unite in a Protracted Meeting by the 
Presbyterians and Baptists. 

For the purpose of increasing the religious influence of 
this community, and saving the souls of men, we, with humble 
reliance upon the blessing of God in the gift of his Holy 
Spirit, do mutually agree, as the pastors of the Baptist and 
Presbyterian churches of Norristown, to engage together in a 
series of religious meetings. And for the purpose of keeping 
the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace, and avoiding any 
evil consequences, we promise to be governed by the follow- 
ing regulations: 

1. There shall be preaching alternately each evening in 
the Baptist and Presbyterian churches. 

2. Until the 31st inst., all the preaching shall be done 
by said pastors. 

3. The pastor shall not preach in his own church; but 
it shall be his duty to exhort after the sermon, and take the 
general management. 

4. No sermon shall be more than forty-five minutes 
long; no exhortation more than ten minutes at a time, and 
the prayers short and to the point. 

5. If it be found best to have more than one sermon per 
day, alt shall be in the same house. 

6. The members shall be exhorted to kindness and good 
feeling during the meetings, and not dispute about doctrines. 

7. Where one is known to be in the habit of attending 
a particular church of any denomination, or whose family are 
of a particular persuasion, it shall be considered dishonorable 
to influence him or her to leave and join elsewhere. But 
when there are no such connections, it is proper that nothing 
be done to excite any other than kind feelings in the mem- 
bers. 

8. There shall be a collection taken up every evening 
to defray the expenses of the meetings, an account of which 
shall be kept by some one appointed for this purpose. Out 
of this the sexton shall be paid fifty cents per day, for open- 



MISCELLANEOUS. 99 

ing and preparing the house. Whatever shall remain after 
the expenses are paid shall go to the congregations equally, 
to pay for fuel and light. 

9. It will be expected of the members, as well as the 
ministers, to conduct with Christian courtesy and urbanity 
towards each other, desiring to increase mutual influence and 
esteem, "In honor preferring one another." 

10. There shall be a prayer meeting each evening at six 
o'clock, and public exercises at seven. 

Samuel Aaron. 



Samuel M. Gould. 



Norristozvn, Dec. 24., 1S4.2. 



Essay Read Before a Debating Society, 18 19. 

From amongst the numerous subjects that present them- 
selves for the discussion of critics and philosophers, I (by no 
means either) have selected the Improvement of the Human 
Mind. To enter into an analysis of its component parts, or a 
philosophical disquisition of its properties, I do not wish, or 
am I able; the utmost in my power will be to offer a few com- 
monplace remarks, and to tell you an old story which you 
have heard a thousand times, in words perhaps somewhat 
different. 

You are all w r ell aware that where the omnipotent hand 
has animated any mass of matter with the breath of life, he 
has also bestowed a love of existence and a dread of annihila- 
tion. The meanest insects that crawl on the dust have a kind 
of instinctive knowledge which impels them to provide for 
their future wants and those of their offspring with the most 
faithful labor and tender care. It might be proved, I presume, 
that there is no such thing as existence without intelligence, 
nor life without reason. Every creature that lives is happy in 
its existence and loth to part with it, with one painful excep- 
tion — creation's exalted lord, unworthy man. This exception, 

Lore. 



IOO REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

however, is not general; it is but a few whose heads are 
crazed by drunkenness, or whose hearts are broken by disap- 
pointed schemes of love or ambition, who repair for an end of 
their woes to a pistol or a halter. 

But leaving this sad subject, let us pursue our point. The 
intelligence of all other animals, when compared with that of 
man, loses its effulgence, and is extremely dimmed, if not ex- 
tinguished, by the transcendent lustre of his superior under- 
standing; his ideas extend themselves to the remotest bounds 
of the universe, and with restless anxiety seek the compre- 
hension of all nature's plan. On the proper direction of these 
intellectual powers depend his honor and happiness, both in 
his temporal and eternal existence. 

As it appears then that the improvement of the mind is 
of the most momentous importance, it likewise seems almost 
equally clear and important that the season of youth should 
be devoted to this improvement. "Train up a child in the 
way he should go, and when he is old," etc., exclaimed the 
wise king of Israel. "Just as the twig is bent, the tree's in- 
clined," is one of the effusions of the eminent poet Pope. 
These passages, indeed, have not a very intimate connection 
with the subject, yet they clearly shewed the opinion of these 
great men (the one, an ancient prophetic king; the other, a 
modern and much celebrated poet) to have been that youth is 
the proper season for improvement, the era to acquire those 
habits that must regulate our after lives, and the time to sow 
that good seed from which we shall reap a crop of everlasting 
felicity. 

Much, indeed, depends on the culture of the mind; if we 
trifle away the spring-time of our years in meditating or con- 
versing on light, vulgar and obscene matters, we shall always 
grovel in the dust and be the reptiles among men; we shall 
most likely become the slaves of passion, or the dupes of in- 
trigue; and if we should by chance live to old age, instead of 
being honored, our gray hairs will be despised. On the other 
hand, if we elevate our thoughts and employ our minds in use- 
ful and instructive studies, we shall find it to exalt as much as 
the reverse depressed. Instead of wading in the mire of ignor- 
ance and smothering in the grossness of human frailties "that 



MISCELLANEOUS. IOI 

vital spark of heavenly flame that animates our mortal frame," 
it is in the power of man to kindle it into such a clear and 
brilliant light as will develop to him the mysteries of science, 
and display to his view, what before was dark, the beauties of 
philosophy, teach him to reconcile many things before irrecon- 
cilable, illumine his way to the temple of truth, and guide 
his steps to the sweet vale of contentment. And youth is the 
time, the only time, to attain all these noble ends, whilst the 
nerves are vigorous and the fire of emulation glows most 
warmly in the breast. 

A long time used, I fancy you are saying, to prove what 
we knew very well before. But, ladies and gentlemen, though 
our tongues confess, yet our actions, for the most part, deny 
the importance of juvenile improvement. 

Let us humbly point out a few things (that ought to be 
in some measure dispensed with) operating as hindrances to 
mental improvement Suppose that some of the young gen- 
tlemen would employ a part of the time in improving their 
minds which they use in paying their addresses to a plurality 
of ladies, not one of whom they ever intend to marry (not to 
say all), or in planning schemes of love and pleasure which 
they have not the most distant hope of realizing; in getting 
by rote a collection of witty sayings, polite and love-inspiring 
compliments for the purpose of engaging the attention or per- 
haps beguiling the heart of some fair one whom they never 
intend to love. If these hours were devoted to the attain- 
ment of some other point than this, it is most likely there 
would not be so much complaint for want of time; and it is 
possible our president's ears would not be so often assailed 
w T ith the well-known address, "I have no remarks to offer, sir, 
this evening." And (can my rashness be pardoned?) if a cer- 
tain portion of the young ladies would curtail a little the time 
they spend at the toilet or the glass, preparing to outvie in 
finery and beauty all the other belles at some contemplated 
party, and to attract the greatest number of admirers, when 
their own modesty tells they want but one husband — if a part 
of this time were passed at the needle or in the library, there 
would no doubt be as many loving and beloved wives, as 



102 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

many prudent and tender mothers, as there are in the present 
state of things. 

I do not wish to criticise the manners of the age, nor to 
preach a moral sermon, this evening; but permit me to say- 
that if the youth of both sexes would coolly and impassionately 
consider how contemptible that mass of mortality we take so 
much pains to decorate, is, in comparison with the noble in- 
telligence that animates it, which, after it has dropped the 
burden that clogs it in the grave to dissolve in kindred dust, 
"will flourish in immortal youth, unhurt amid the war of ele- 
ments, the wreck of matter, and the crush of worlds" — if these 
things were duly considered, it would no doubt appear a de- 
spicable employment to bend the immortal mind to the pitiful 
purpose of contriving how to decorate a piece of moving clay, 
to teach it to put on a number of finical airs, and to utter in 
soft sounds a few smart things, all which may glitter for a 
moment like the gay colors of the butterfly, and then be seen 
no more. 

But I am wandering from the subject, in advising those 
who know, and do much better than myself. The young 
ladies and gentlemen are well aware that however precious 
they may be, on account of their beauty or finery, to any one, 
they cannot be of as much value as the improvement of their 
minds is to themselves. The fickle and giddy passion of 
juvenile love, and the boundless desire of being handsome 
and admired, seem with most young persons, amongst many 
other things, no trifling hindrance to the improvement of the 
mind. The young do not consider while so employed that 
they are planting what will produce the fruit of shame and 
remorse when they arrive at years which should be employed 
on the stage of usefulness. 

Permit me to name another obstruction which often stag- 
gers even the industrious youth. Young persons about enter- 
ing on the arduous task of learning, think a complete acqui- 
sition of science of easy attainment, but upon trial find them- 
selves seriously mistaken. After having a long time pored 
over some system of grammar or mathematics, which the 
author gravely calls only an introduction, they find themselves 
very imperfect in their knowledge of it, and very naturally 



MISCELLANEOUS. IO3 

comparing themselves with some great men, and discovering 
their own inferiority to be so vast become incredibly dis- 
heartened with their ignorance. These considerations, how- 
ever, are but juvenile, and will give way to more mature age 
and reflection. Some may allege that they have not the 
means of becoming well informed; but this is a very frivolous 
excuse, as nothing hinders but want of inclination. All who 
have their natural senses may become possessed of much in- 
formation if they desire it. For in this land of light and 
liberty the words of the poet, "our needful knowledge, like 
our needful food, unhedged, lies open in life's common field," 
are peculiarly applicable here. Not only the useful but the 
ornamental branches of science; not only the instructive but 
the polished parts of literature, are diffused with copious pro- 
fusion. 

The fair light of knowledge and instruction does not only 
come within the scope of popish priests and wealthy lords 
(for such creatures are scarce here), but is extended to all as 
freely as the air we breathe, or the liberal principles of our 
happy government. The farmer and the gentleman stand an 
equal chance for being advanced to the first honors of the 
nation. Let there be no complaint for want of means then, at 
least until the means allowed are made use of and exhausted. 

The principal object or summum bonum of mental im- 
provement is, I apprehend, to become intimately acquainted 
with human nature; not for the purpose of taking advantage 
of its foibles, so as to lead it captive to headlong passion, or 
make it the dupe of avarice or wild ambition, but to be able to 
ameliorate its situation, to strengthen its weaknesses, to soothe 
its miseries, and to restore it as nearly as possible to its pris- 
tine dignity, innocence and happiness. 

As the field of intellectual improvement is unbounded, 
and the species of fruit innumerable, it is neither needful nor 
becoming for me to point out that which should be gathered; 
let every one select what pleases him, or, having tested all, 
keep that which is good. The advantages resulting from 
virtuous knowledge are incalculable. It may be said, for all 
to become wise is absurd, inasmuch as there would be no 
distinction; but w T e have information that maybe relied on, 



104 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

that " Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and he that get- 
teth understanding," and that the lot of all men should be 
peace and happiness, is an event to be fervently desired. 

Suffer me to notice one particular advantage that it gives 
the ladies. When a sensible young man marries a young 
lady of whom he is much enamored, for awhile he thinks of 
nothing but her gaiety and beauty, but after the warmth of 
passion subsides a little, he begins to look for something 
more — her mental qualifications. If he finds her destitute of 
information in almost every respect, he shuns her for bctter 
company, in public is ashamed of her, and uses her like hidden 
treasure which he is afraid any one should know he possesses; 
but if she proves the reverse of this, she becomes his delight 
indeed, his solace in adversity, his heaven in prosperity, and 
there cannot fail to be enkindled on the embers of expiring 
passion a pure and temperate flame of mutual affection, lasting 
as existence, quenched only by death. 

Literature, however, is not only useful to individuals 
abstractly considered, but is also of the highest advantage to 
nations and communities. It is not, as is generally thought, 
that because the Greeks and Romans excelled all the nations 
in warlike and glorious deeds, that they appear so conspicuous 
on the page of history, but because they had among them men 
of refined and enlightened understandings, whose deep re- 
searches into historical and scientific matters enabled them to 
transmit to posterity in glowing colors the actions of their 
countrymen. In vain might the hero conquer, or the patriot 
bleed, their triumphs and their blood would be soon forgotten 
but for the faithful pen of the historian. Such precious gifts, 
the effects of learning, are indeed inestimable; they unfold to 
the eyes of youth the illustrious deeds of ancient patriots and 
sages, and kindle the How of virtuous emulation in the ardent 
breast, and nerve the stripling's arm with more than manly 
strength. 

It is not indeed possible in the nature of things for all to 
be great men, or, as the almanac oration said, "to ride the big 
horse." It is not the fate of every one to be as was said of 
Washington, "the sunbeam in council and the storm in war"; 
but it is possible for every one to become exemplary in the 



MISCELLANEOUS. IO5 

class to which he belongs, to enlarge and refine his under- 
standing, and by these means to purify and fortify his heart. 
It requires more than an ordinary capacity to take up with 
Milton the angelic lyre and portray in celestial strains the 
scenes of paradise, to view the vast retrospect of intellectual 
life, or traverse with fancy like his immeasurable wilds of 
ether with Satan's banished legions. Seldom do we see 
understanding like that of Rittenhouse and Newton, whose 
comprehensive ken embraced all creation; whose unerring 
judgment, without the assistance of airy fancy, could analyze 
and harmonize every part of nature's frame; who could follow 
with undeviating precision the glittering spheres in their 
meanderings through the heavens; and who were inhabitants 
as it were of world's immeasurably distant. But to finish a 
long story with the beautiful language of Grey, "The applause 
of listening senates to command, and read their history in a 
nation's eyes," is the fortune of few. Notwithstanding, let all 
contend for the prize; virtue and perseverance never lose a 
sufficient reward. 

But finally, the most flattering consideration of all is the 
eternal duration of intellectual improvement; the probability 
that in a future state the mind will still be approximating to- 
wards perfection; and that purged from all alloy of earthly 
passion, and freed from the incumbrance of a gross load of 
mortality which enfeebled its power and obstructed its mo- 
tion, it will be forever investigating still new and nobler prin- 
ciples, and be able to discover that "all discord was harmony 
not understood; all partial evil universal good;" to trace the 
connection link by link of the chain of being and reason from 
beginning to end, both fastening on the throne of omnipotence. 



io6 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



Memento of Affection. 



Dear Aaron: If the remembrance of days that are past, 
if the retrospect of the scenes of youth can, in riper years, 
shed a tranquillity over the mind, or gild the last moments of 
existence with a beam of mental satisfaction, we trust that 
when raised to that eminence to which your talents entitle 
you, you will recur with pleasure to those hours which have 
been spent with us in the attainment of literature, and which 
have been rendered doubly agreeable by your presence. 
Your happiness will be our wish through life; but if the chill- 
ing blasts of adversity should destroy those hopes we enter- 
tain of your advancement in life, we here profess ourselves 
your warm and unshaken friends. We hope that you will 
receive this memento of our affection which we offer from the 
pure and undisguised feelings of our hearts. 



Robert Taylor, 
William R. Richardson, 
Gustavus Black, 
T. H. Yardley, 
Charles Holmes, 
Thomas I. Newbold, 
Aaron S. Lippincott, 
Jacob Hewlings, 
Nathl. Sayre Harris, 
Samuel S. Grubb, 
John L. Newbold, 
James H. Bennett, 
Samuel B. Tobey, 
William Kimber, 



Isaiah P. Bonham, 
Edmond Morris, 
Henry Rogers, 
Job Irick, 
William Carpenter, 
Walter Browne, 
Joseph T. Price, 
R. M. Bishop, 
I. Allen, 
J. S. Smith, 
W. Shields, 
G. Foster, 
L. Rodman. 



Burlington, Feb. 5, 18 21. 



TEMPERANCE. 



Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the "Burlington 
City Temperance Society," held in the Methodist 
Meeting-House in that place, on the 7TH of Fifth- 
Month, 1834. 

The meeting was called to order by Samuel Aaron, Presi- 
dent of the Society. Resolutions of a local nature having 
been presented, were passed unanimously, when the following 
members were elected viva voce, to serve as a board of man- 
agers for the ensuing year, viz.: Samuel Aaron, President; 
Nathan W. Cole, M. D., Vice President; Joseph R. King, 
Recording Secretary; William J. Allison, Corresponding Sec- 
retary; Charles Atherton, Treasurer; Caleb Gaskiil, Thomas 
Aikman, John Boozer, Luke Reed, Joseph L. Powell, Dubre 
Knight, Directors. 

A report of the proceedings of the Board for the past 
year was produced and read, as follows: 

The Board of Managers of the Burlington Temperance 
Society, in conformity with the constitution, present to the 
Society the following report: They will commence with a 
brief statement of particular facts, and conclude with a few 
general observations. Soon after the last annual meeting, the 
Board made exertions to establish an auxiliary society at 
Coopertown, in the adjoining township of Willingborough, 
which were successful beyond hope. Several farmers in the 
neighborhood gathered their harvests for the first time with- 
out ardent spirits, the tavern has become comparatively de- 
serted, and though the neighborhood is thinly settled forty 
numbers of the "Temperance Recorder" are taken, and a 
society of forty-three members now exists. Efforts of a similar 
kind, however, in relation to Slabtown, or Jacksonville, have 



IOS REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

hitherto entirely failed. Though some of the inhabitants are 
temperate, such scruples are entertained on the subject of 
temperance societies, that no place, not even the house of di- 
vine worship, nor the school-house, could be obtained for the 
purpose of holding a temperance meeting. The Board of 
Managers have held meetings through the year, and have col- 
lected and expended about twenty dollars for the distribution 
of valuable temperance papers. One hundred copies of the 
" Temperance Recorder" are circulated, and two individuals 
have procured means to circulate thirty copies of the "Tem- 
perance Intelligencer." 

Two public temperance meetings have been held during 
the year, one in November last, at which an address was de- 
livered, and one on the 26th of February, when two gentle- 
men addressed a numerous, respectable and crowded audience, 
forty-three of whom gave their names to the pledge on the 
spot. About ninety names have been added to the Society 
during the past year, and its present number is two hundred 
and seventy-one. The Board have actively and cordially co- 
operated with other local societies in happily forming the 
present society for the county, and they took measures to se- 
cure the appointment of delegates to attend the State Temper- 
ance Convention, held in Trenton, on the 12th of February 
last, part of whom were present and active at the deliberations 
of that important meeting. They are happy to state that a 
distillery near this place has been discontinued upon principle, 
and the stills broken up and sold for old copper. They beg 
leave also to mention to the honor of the individual and for 
the public good (though the circumstances transpired more 
than a year since), the conduct of a gentleman of this place, 
who decided to sacrifice a considerable quantity of costly 
liquors by letting them waste away in his cellar. They earn- 
estly hope to see all our respectable fellow-citizens, who still 
furnish ardent spirits to the community, moved by examples 
like these to give over the work of death; and they tremble 
in fear of the retribution that awaits the incorrigible. 

The Board have been careful to be and to appear free 
from any political or sectarian motives, and rejoice exceed- 
ingly to find the honest scruples of various worthy citizens 



TEMPERANCE. IO9 

yielding to the evidence presented before them, that temper- 
ance societies are really the means of preserving the unwary 
and reclaiming the lost. The physicians here, as elsewhere, 
are mainly and actively with the temperance society, thus 
showing its great importance, and proving their own desire to 
preserve men in health not less than to cure the diseased. 
There are three stores in the place that sell no ardent spirits, 
except for specified medicinal or manufacturing purposes, thus 
correctly and wisely furnishing the means of obtaining the 
article for needful occasions without encouraging its general 
use. There are some discouragements, of such a nature, how- 
ever, as to show the need of reformation, and to rouse and 
exalt the spirit of benevolence. We have to encounter the 
scoffs and curses of the profane; the song of the drunkard ; 
and, in some cases, the dignified contempt of superior wealth 
and intelligence, and even the sober opposition of accredited 
religion. Thus those entirely unlike in themselves, the pious 
and the profane, the drunk and the sober, the wise and the 
foolish, are strangely brought together in common array 
against the temperance society. 

A certain amount and kind of public feeling are against 
the reformation. For instance: Men in our town are notori- 
ously destroying their moral principles, shortening their days, 
beggaring their families, and thus taxing the public, in conse- 
quence of drinking ardent spirits. Youth, mere children, are 
found drunk about our streets and carried home; individuals 
have been found dead in the road or in the water, accompa- 
nied by a half-emptied jug of whisky. And yet the respect- 
able persons who furnish the means of producing these effects 
deem themselves wholly irresponsible, and are considered so 
by many others. It is notorious also that several public 
houses exist in this place more than are really necessary or 
strictly lawful, according to the charter of the city of Burling- 
ton, Article XL And yet neither the city corporation nor 
the community themselves can or dare take any efficient mea- 
sures to have the number diminished. 

The above brief account of particulars must suffice. It is 
our opinion that those who drink moderately and furnish in- 
toxicating drinks for others, are mainly responsible for the 



IIO REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

evils of intemperance. The more influence they have, the 
more responsibility. We believe that temperance consists in 
partaking moderately of needful sustenance and abstaining to- 
tally from all poisons. But the arguments of many of our 
fellow-citizens would urge the moderate use of opium, and hel- 
lebore, and arsenic, and prussic acid, as well as alcohol, when 
in perfect health, to prove our temperance in the enjoyment of 
the creatures of a bountiful Providence. The most thought- 
ful and conscientious of those who furnish rum, deny it to the 
ruined sot, except it be a few drams to commence a debauch; 
and only administer it to the man of steady habits, the uncor- 
rupted youth, or the prudent, reflecting tippler. So the gen- 
teel debauchee scorns the contact of vulgar prostitution, and 
finds it more decent and respectable to ensnare innocence and 
pollute virtue. This is a fatal sophistry; it lays snares for the 
souls of our youth, inoculates the land with plague, and atones 
for all the evils it produces by shunning its victims and leav- 
ing them to the poor-house and the prison. 

We believe the temperance pledge to be, under Provi- 
dence, the great support and safeguard and the moving power 
of the temperance reformation. Some object to it as an arti- 
ficial and arbitrary check upon the natural dictates of con- 
science. If so, then is conscience improperly checked by the 
public and solemn engagement in the marriage contract, the 
oath or affirmation of a witness, juror or public officer, and the 
written and formal pledge contained in a promissory note, 
deed or bond? The fact is that fallible beings need fixed and 
well ascertained points in morals to enable them to shape their 
course in a world of temptations; as mariners, upon the de- 
ceitful and trackless ocean, need the fixed stars for their direc- 
tion, while subject to the influence of unseen currents and 
changing winds. This social pledge has been the only thing 
yet tried, and not found wanting, to arrest the march of drunk- 
enness and its attendant legions of destroyers. The tippling 
officers of justice had hanged the drunken murderer in vain; 
the preacher, who had just sipped his moderate dram, had fruit- 
lessly declaimed against a heartier drink; and the boasted 
common sense of mankind had utterly failed to erect a barrier 
or even draw a visible and acknowledged line between safe 



TEMPERANCE. I I I 

and ruinous indulgence. But the social pledge to total absti- 
nence has already reclaimed its thousands and preserved its 
millions. Like the destroyer it opposes, it has attracted to it- 
self all sorts of persons. Even sects and denominations of 
highly repellant properties have been drawn together around 
it as a common centre of benevolent attraction; and those of 
no profession and no parts, the inert and scattered fragments 
from the social compact, have been quickened and concen- 
trated by the same cause. The temperance pledge then, by 
its power to unite those that differ in everything else, has am- 
ply proved, we think, its claims to general homage. May this 
assembly and this whole community subscribe it and main- 
tain it inviolably and forever. 

By order of the Board. 

Samuel Aaron, President. 

The Rev. Stephen H. Tyng, D. D., of Philadelphia, who 
was present by particular invitation, then arose, was introduced 
to the large assemblage by the chair, and delivered a most 
happy and able address, entirely worthy of himself and the 
occasion. Immediately after the pledge was read by the Presi- 
dent, and upwards of forty new members were added to the 
society. 

On motion, Resolved, That the proceedings of this meet- 
ing be published in the Trenton and Mount Holly papers. 

The following list contains the names of the various of- 
ficers of the Burlington County Temperance Society, as elected 
at the annual meeting of the society held at Mount Holly on 
April 14, 1834: William Russell, President, Mount Holly, 
N. J.; Edward Thomas, Vice President, Medford, N. J.; Thos. 
Aikman, Vice President, Burlington, N. J.; Josiah R. Reeve, 
Recording Secretary, Medford, X. J.; James H. Sterling, Cor- 
responding Secretary, Burlington, N. J. Directors — George 
Haines, M. D., Medford, N. J.; John H. Rulon, Yardville, 
-N. J.; Jos. R. King, Burlington, N. J.; J. L. Stratton, M. D., 
Mount Holly, N. J.; Richard W. Eayre, Mount Holly, N. J.; 
John West, Trenton, N. J.; William K. Mason, M. D., Tuck- 
erton, N. J.; Hezekiah Cramer, Tuckerton, N. J.; Joseph At- 
wood, Tuckerton, N. J.; Conley Plotts, Columbus, N. J.; Paul 



I I 2 REV. SAMUEL AARON 



Jones, Burlington, N. J. ; Thomas Edmunds, Jr., Pemberton, 
N. J.; Clarence W. Mulford, Pemberton, N. J.; Samuel Wool- 
ston, M. D., Vincenttown, N. J.; John Purdue, M. D., Pem- 
berton, N. J. 



The Board of Managers of the Burlington City Temperance 
Society do respectfully present the folloiving report : 

The time of holding the annual meeting having been 
changed during the past year, a period of only about nine 
months has elapsed since making our last report. Since that 
time about sixty persons have been added to the list of mem- 
bers, including upwards of forty who joined on that occasion, 
and the whole number of members is at present about three 
hundred and thirty. Only two or three persons have been so 
far overcome by the power of former habits as to render their 
permanent reformation hopeless; though somewhat more than 
that number have been delinquent more or less. No person 
within the bounds of the neighborhood limiting the society is 
known to the board to have renounced the traffic from moral 
principles during the past year; and while there are four good 
stores where spirits are not kept, there are four also, in other 
respects, together with five taverns and one distillery, where 
ardent spirits are furnished as a common drink. The board 
are of opinion, however, that the business has become less 
popular and, they trust, less profitable within even the past 
year; and they are fully persuaded that fewer individuals and 
families than formerly of the more enlightened classes are now 
the victims of drunkenness. 

The board have acted together very harmoniously, and 
most of them have devoted not a little time and reflection to 
conscientious and, as they believe, lawful and proper efforts to 
promote the cause. What they have done has been done 
openly; they have not shunned nor dreaded responsibility. 
On the contrary, they earnestly invoke a free and full exami- 
nation of their actions and their motives. They seriously con- 
templated holding up to public detestation the scandalous ef- 
fects of drinking at the great militia training that followed hard 



TEMPERANCE. I 13 

upon our last annual meeting; but concluded finally that the 
notorious scenes themselves, the courts martial, with the prose- 
cutions for damages that followed that shameful day, would 
leave them nothing to add. Xo small exertion was made dur- 
ing the early part of last summer to establish a temperance 
hotel in this city. And to show that the true friends of tem- 
perance are not actuated by niggardly and avaricious feelings, 
we would state that the board pledged themselves that the 
friends of the cause would contribute from Si 50 to S200 for 
the purpose of having the experiment of keeping a respectable 
temperance house tried fairly for a single year. This negotia- 
tion, however, entirely failed. 

The board invited recently the public discussion of some 
questions touching the character of temperance societies, and 
several persons freely stated their objections to them. The 
acknowledged integrity and intellect of these gentlemen afford 
ample proof that objections among the sincerest and weight- 
iest that can be urged were then presented; and we are happy, 
therefore, to have such evidence that not a feather's weight of 
argument can be brought to bear against the grand principles 
of the temperance reformation. 

We will make no invidious comparisons between the 
members of our society and others; but we must say that the 
numbers, the experience and the character of those zealously 
attached to the society, are such as to entitle it to the serious 
attention and respect of this intelligent community. Not to 
mention others — that class, not very small, of virtuous, injured 
and suffering females, whose benedictions attend all our labors 
— the mothers, wives or widows of men ruined by intemper- 
ance, who cry both to God and man for help and pity, pre- 
sent claims to our attention that cannot be innocently or safely 
disregarded. 

In closing with a remark or two, no more plain than they 
are notoriously and strictly true, we premise the solemn avowal 
of our good will towards all mankind, and that what we say is 
from a sense of duty only. We do reiterate, then, as our de- 
liberate and firm belief, the opinion of thousands among the 
wisest, best and greatest men of this nation — an opinion which 
they have publicly and formally avowed — that the traffic in 



114 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

ardent spirits with a view to furnishing them to our fellow- 
men as a common drink, is morally wrong; and that the laws 
which sanction this traffic are also morally wrong, having no 
foundation, as all human laws ought to have, in those immu- 
table principles of justice contained in the revealed will of God. 
We hold it to be self-evident that no man or set of men can 
have a moral right to do or authorize to be done anything that 
tends to injure themselves or others. Whatever rights of 
property a man may have, he can have no right to appropri- 
ate his substance in a way that promotes either the voluntary 
or involuntary ruin of mankind. A man may measure out, 
with full and honest measure, the gills and quarts that destroy 
his neighbor's health and character and lay him in a prema- 
ture and dishonorable grave, and leave his family outcast and 
penniless. He may balance his book with the last dollar of 
the drunkard's substance — the voluntary drunkard; he may 
call it a final settlement, and the law will sanction it as a fair 
and just transaction. But we believe (the truth, in love, to all) 
that the settlement is not final, that the transaction is not just, 
that a Book will appear — a true Book — of entirely different 
entries on the subject, and that the approving statute made on 
earth will be pronounced by a Higher Legislator null and void. 
Burlington, N. J., February, iSjj. 



Plain Truth. 



The undersigned presented a remonstrance before the 
corporation of this city on the 1st inst. against licensing so 
many persons to keep inns and taverns as have heretofore 
been permitted to do so. Having, in connection with his late 
partner, expended from $8000 to $9000 in this city during the 
eighteen months last past he supposed as usefully to the com- 
munity as any of the applicants for tavern licenses, and having 
been deeply aggrieved and injured by permission given to stu- 
dents of only sixteen or seventeen years of age to drink in- 
toxicating liquors in some of the taverns, he hoped to be heard 
in support of the remonstrance. He could not, however, be 



TEMPERANCE. I I 5 

heard consistently with the rules of the body, and therefore 
takes this way of stating a few points that he wished to urge: 

1. Some of the tavern-keepers have violated the law by 
selling without license. — See laws of New Jersey, page 282, 
Sec. 7; and page 745, Sec. 4. 

2. Is not the law violated by licensing more inns and 
taverns than are necessary? — See page 283, Sec. 9. 

3. Has it not been triumphantly and wantonly trampled 
on by selling to apprentices and school-boys? — Page 285, Sec. 
22; and page 532, Sec. 1. 

4. The law requires, under a very heavy penalty, a bill 
of fare certified by the clerk to be exhibited in every tavern. 
— Page 284, Sec. 17. Is this attended to? 

5. The law requires the presiding Justice to call upon 
the Justices present to make known any facts and objections 
why such license should not be granted. — Pages 744, 745 ; Sec. 
1. Was that duty performed on the 1st inst. ? 

6. At one of the taverns an old man, now poor, was al- 
lowed to dispose of $15 in three days. 

7. At another, a young man, in many respects deserv- 
ing, was furnished on a Sunday with a pocket bottle filled with 
spirits, which he carried into the woods, and by which means 
he was confirmed in a drunken frolic and was permitted at 
the taverns to drink himself in two or three days out of coun- 
tenance, out of heart, out of money, out of work, and to leave 
the place a homeless wanderer on the earth. 

8. Very recently a man, who had been drinking for a 
month, and evidently destroying himself, went home from cer- 
tain taverns where he had obtained liquor, and was dead two 
hours after. 

9. Groups of men are to be found on Sundays, at some 
of the taverns at least, drunk, profane and blasphemous, quar- 
reling often, sometimes fighting at or near the tavern, and 
much disturbing the peaceable citizens. The applicants, how- 
ever, were all licensed as persons of unimpeachable integrity, 
and necessary in that capacity for the common good. It was 
remarkable, however, that of the signers to their petitions, four 
persons signed each three petitions, making twelve signatures ; 
twelve persons signed each two petitions, making twenty-four 



I I 6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

signatures; and twenty-one persons signed each one petition, 
making twenty-one signatures. So thirty-seven persons, one 
a member of the corporation, furnished fifty-seven signatures. 
This fact shows how the one hundred and fifty freeholders (per- 
haps two hundred) of this city feel towards our taverns. One 
petition had been much soiled and handled in procuring twelve 
names. On the principle pursued by these petitioners and 
signers, twelve freeholders might be the means of licensing 
every other man in Burlington; and thirteen might license 
every housekeeper, themselves included. 

Samuel Aaron. 
Burlington, N. J., April 26, iSjj. 



The Seventh Annual Report of the Board of Managers 
of the Burlington Temperance Society. 

February, 1836. 

Six public meetings have been called by the board dur- 
ing the past year, several of which were numerously attended. 
The board themselves have held nine meetings. The net in- 
crease of members during the year has been about fifty, com- 
posed chiefly of young persons. The number of consistent 
members now living is believed to be about five hundred. In 
stating this estimate it is proper to say that the Secretary keeps 
a list with great care, which is frequently revised and corrected 
by the board as circumstances may require. 

A sum of $91.56 has been raised by the voluntary con- 
tributions of the members and others, and appropriated partly 
to the support of the State Agent, partly in aid of the county 
society's publications, partly in the purchase and distribution 
of the "Temperance Recorder" and "Intelligencer," and in 
payment of expenses incidental to public meetings. 

The number of taverns within the society's limits is four; 
of anti-temperance stores, including one small shop, is three. 
The number of stores where ardent spirit is not sold as a bev- 
erage is five. To this it may be added, on good authority, 



TEMPERANCE. I I J 

that there is no distillery of any kind in the township, nor any 
distillery of grain in the county of Burlington. 

The deaths occasioned by alcohol within the township 
during the past year have, it is believed, been fewer than com- 
mon; though several persons have fallen victims, nameless, 
dishonored, and too soon forgotten. Its use and influence at 
the polls still continue, to the scandal of the political parties, 
the guilt of many zealous politicians, and the degradation of 
republican institutions. 

The board owe it to themselves and their constituents to 
state that they have expended some money, much valuable 
time, and faithful and often painful labor of head and heart in 
support of the cause which you have committed to their man- 
agement. They have conscientiously labored in discharge of 
their duty to injure no man, and even to offend no man. Their 
chief support has been the conviction that you were generally 
true-hearted adherents to the pledge, and the hope that the 
righteous and most salutary principles of temperance may ere 
long generally prevail. Nor is there reason to be wearied 
with toil or intimidated by opposition. Though fewer names 
have been added this year than usual, let it be remembered 
there were fewer to add. The society claims many as its fast 
friends of those second to none in this community for intelli- 
gence or virtue, and rejoices that a number more of the same 
stamp firmly practice without professing its principles. It is 
also a source of joyful gratitude that far more children are 
nursed without the use of whisky baths and alcoholic ano- 
dynes, and that very many youth are growing up without the 
taint of morning bitters and sugared sips from visitors' and 
parents' unfinished glasses. Thus, a generation born and 
trained to abstinence are arising to bless and to perpetuate the 
temperance reformation. 

We close with one reflection. To use or to administer 
poisons, destructive of human life, has always been considered 
a legal and moral wrong. A general exception, however, has 
been made in favor of one singular and solitary article, which, 
to the destruction of the body, adds the eclipse of the mind 
and the sacrifice of the immortal soul. Why such an excep- 
tion should secure the currency of opinion and the support of 



I I S REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

law, we do not stop to inquire, but express our ardent hope 
and firm confidence that the light and the sound of the tem- 
perance reform will rouse the human conscience to consider 
the question in its application to alcohol. Whether an ac- 
countable creature can innocently contribute directly or in- 
directly to the support of a practice which produces evil, only 
evil, and that continually. When this question in this appli- 
cation shall have been decided right by the enlightened con- 
sciences of our fellow men, the triumph of temperance will 
have come. It cannot be asked that temperance truths should 
make all men sober, any more than the divine truth in gen- 
eral should render all men Christians. An obligation will be 
proved and pointed out, binding man to the throne of infinite 
authority and justice, and there he must be left instructed, 
warned and entreated at his own peril. The time is not far 
distant, we fully believe, when no man can ask or expect the 
blessing of heaven on the manufacture, sale or use of intoxicat- 
ing liquors. 



Notes on the License System. 

The satisfaction I feel in the political arrangements, which 
allow a hearing before our legislators. The pleasure and con- 
fidence I feel in the powers and influence of legislators in our 
own country. You are the depository dispensers of law. 

I. What we ask is not inconsistent with the spirit of our 
laws on the subject, which are meant to be restrictive. The 
original mistake of the legislature in letting out this serpent, 
alcohol. He has not only crawled but flown. He has become 
a many-headed dragon — wine, ale, beer, brandy, gin, rum, etc. 
The license system has always been meant to be restrictive. 
It has meant to make good men — the conservators of the pub- 
lic welfare. The use of alcoholic drinks was deemed needful, 
and its retail was first restricted to apothecaries. The snake 
grew, and they confined him to good inn-keepers. He grew 
still bigger, and they gave him in special charge to formidable 
statutes. He grew, and they gave him to twelve free-holders. 



TEMPERANCE. I I 9 

He grew, and they committed him to the common pleas. 
Now we ask to give him up to public opinion. Don't hedge 
him in, but let public opinion at him. Lend the rope and 
hook of the law, catch him and bind him fast. 

II. We believe that the operation of the present laws is 
oppressive. Could this be properly pressed, I am sure it 
would have great effect. I shall not dwell on all the oppress- 
ions. The pains inflicted on sensibility, idleness, crime, 
anguish, shame, misery, widowhood and orphanage. Look at 
our own temptations and those of our children. These awful 
facts have been poured "on the nation's naked heart," till it is 
turned to stone. But I would, if I could, expose the oppres- 
siveness of this system in the point of taxation. Taxation, for 
the most useful purposes, especially when direct, is unpopular. 
Taxation, without consent, was deemed revolutionary. Tax- 
ation, as a bounty on the accursed orgies of Bacchus; what 
shall we say of it? Ninety taverns in the county of Burling- 
ton selling liquors amounting to $40,000, producing a direct 
tax of $10,000. 

III. The remedy we propose is peaceable. What is it? 
To withhold the privilege to impose taxation, unless a man 
has the deliberate consent and approbation of the majority of 
tax-payers. This method avoids the noise and strife of elec- 
tions. It gives the applicant fair and full access to the under- 
standing and hearts of men, and will quiet the rejected. It 
gives occasion to every tax-payer calmly to consider his re- 
sponsibility. 

IV. The remedy is republican. This is about self-evi- 
dent. With due respect to those who say so, it seems to me 
hke quibbling to call this measure an appeal to force. Nor 
need I dwell upon the moral quibble, nor on the cavils about 
putting all business on the same footing. Here is a contro- 
versy on equal terms. The light of public opinion is hidden 
under a bushel. 

V. It bids fair to be eventually and quietly efficacious. 
Some will grant, some withhold. The subject will be con- 
stantly agitated. In contest and rational discussion, truth will 
prevail. 



120 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



Temperance Meeting. 

« 

Resolved, That human society and the proper regulation 
thereof, called law, are ordained of God. 

Resolved, That human law is a "rule of civil conduct, 
prescribed by the supreme power in a state, commending 
what is right and prohibiting what is wrong." That "its ob- 
ject is to ascertain what is just, honorable and expedient; and 
when that is discovered, it is proclaimed as a general ordi- 
nance, equally and impartially to all." That its proper ten- 
dency is to produce that state of society in which "every man 
shall do to others as he would that others should do to him." 

Resolved, That the legislators of this land are bound by 
their oath of office to obliterate every statute discordant with 
the foregoing principles, and to make such enactments, and 
such only as strictly agree with them. 

Resolved, That every judicial and executive officer is 
bound to explain and enforce such laws according to their 
true meaning, and to resign his authority rather than sustain 
unrighteous statutes. 

Resolved, That the voters in our country are, under God, 
the creators of all legal and political functionaries or agents, 
and are therefore bound by their duty to God, to themselves, 
to their posterity, and to all the world, to choose such men 
only to make and administer our laws as have given proof 
that they fear God, love justice, hate covetousness, and under- 
stand and approve the above definition of law. 

Resolved, That the statutes and usages which sanction 
and support the sale and use of alcohol as a beverage, are 
entirely contradictory of the principles above laid down; that 
they permit what is wrong, and prevent what is right; that 
their effects are unjust, dishonorable and inexpedient; that 
they are unequal and partial in granting privileges to a few; 
that they allow men to do to others, and to their families, what 
they themselves would shudder to receive in return. 



TEMPERANCE. 121 

Therefore, resolved, That we will vote for no man for a 
public office, unless he is known to us to be opposed to the 
legalizing of the rum traffic, and distinctly pledged to prevent 
the supply of alcoholic beverages, either by penal laws or by 
referring the matter to the people at the polls. 

Resolved, That there be a committee to ascertain and re- 
port to us through the newspapers, or by hand-bills, the views 
of the candidates for state and county offices, who shall be 
presented for our suffrages. 

Resolved, That said committee call a meeting of the voters, 
if they deem it necessary, during the present month. 

September </, 184.7. 



Petition. 



To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania : 

The subscribers, taxables of the county of Montgomery, 
respectfully represent, that they are much aggrieved by the 
existing and increasing evils of intemperance, and that they 
deem it particularly unjust that those opposed to the liquor 
traffic should be taxed along with those in favor of it, to pay 
the expenses of the pauperism and crime which flow from 
intemperance. As they have no share, and desire none, in 
the profits of the traffic, they wish to be exonerated from all 
legal obligation to share in the expense it creates. 

Further, it has always been the spirit of American legis- 
lation to permit no business to impose its cost and losses on 
those not engaged in it. The subscribers do, therefore, earn- 
estly entreat you to enact a law as explicit and binding as 
possible, making the liquor dealers, and those who sustain 
them, personally and pecuniarily responsible for the injuries 
and expenses now inflicted by the traffic on the public at large. 
Let the purposed liquor dealer have the written approval of 
one-half the taxables in his township, borough or ward, before 
he is licensed to sell. Let him give a bond, with ample sure- 



122 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

ties, in a sum not less than £1,000, for his strict compliance 
with the law. Let him and his sureties be suable on said 
bond, by any competent member or friend of any family in- 
jured by liquor supplied by said dealer; let the damages be 
awarded at the discretion of a jury or arbitrators, and let the 
dealer always pay costs of suit, if proved to have supplied any 
liquor as charged. Let the directors of the poor be compelled 
to sue, as aforesaid, for the support of any person or family 
becoming a public burden, in consequence, wholly or in part, 
of using liquor supplied by said dealer; and let the dealer pay 
costs if proved to have supplied, as aforesaid. Let the de- 
fendant, aforesaid, be entitled to maintain a suit, to compel his 
fellow-dealers to contribute a portion of the damages or fines 
imposed on him. Let any attempt to collect a liquor debt 
subject the plaintiff to the loss of the claim and costs. Let 
every unlicensed dealer be subject to fine and imprisonment. 
Let no suit for libel be maintained by a liquor dealer when the 
truth of the charges against him can be proved. Let the coro- 
ner in cases of suicide, manslaughter or murder, as the conse- 
quence of intemperance, be compelled to ascertain if possible, 
and publish in his verdict, the name of the furnisher of the 
liquor. Let such furnisher of liquor be indictable for a mis- 
demeanor, and punishable with fine and imprisonment. 

Temperance Committee. 
Norristown, 185 1. 



A Plea for Total Abstinence. 

Men, Women and Children — Permit one who desires your 
truest welfare, and that of all the world, to claim your thought- 
ful and serious attention to a few considerations connected 
with the temperance reform. 

What is the fundamental principle of this reform? Is it 
not that alcohol is the most insidious and the most destruct- 
ive of all poisons? " Wine is a mocker," insidious ; " strong 
drink is raging," a fierce destroyer. Such is its description in 
that most discriminating of all books, the Bible. The experi- 



TEMPERANCE. I 23 

ence and inventions of men confirm the testimony. Other 
drugs and poisons have each some one peculiar effect upon 
the human system. Opium acts on the nervous structure, 
perverts the imagination to idle dreams, and destroys the whole 
man by the indolence and lethargy superinduced through that 
action. Prussic acid and some of the mercurial poisons seize 
on the vital fluids — on some more, on others less — and curdle 
and corrode them through a brief and mortal agony. Arsenic, 
nux vomica and others act on the stomach in different ways, 
and produce death or great injury. The poison of the rattle- 
snake or the slaver of the mad dog may be swallowed with- 
out harm, but is fatal on the broken skin. Some drugs 
stimulate the animal propensities to more than brutal excess; 
some blotch the skin, and others rot the bones. But it is re- 
served for alcohol to perform at once almost all the functions 
of other poisons, destroying man as a passive and helpless vic- 
tim; and last, and worst of all, to make him an active and fear- 
ful agent in the ruin or misery of all around him. Not only 
is his own body destroyed, and his own progeny polluted by 
the bad blood he transmits to them, but his soul is demon- 
ized, the fountain of natural affections is sealed up, or its pure 
streams turned into the waves of the burning lake, so that he 
spurns his loving wife, loathes his sweet children, and curses 
his w r eeping mother. 

Now what other poison does all this? And when does 
alcohol fail of such tendencies ? And how often do its influen- 
ces surpass, infinitely surpass, all powers of description? If 
the foregoing positions are true — if they are but very partially 
true — should not every moral suasive and every righteous 
legal power be employed to put away this poison from every 
human life? How can any sensible man maintain the moder- 
ate use of such an article on the same ground as he does that 
of wholesome and needful food? Does the use of food tend 
at all to make a man a devil ? Does the moderate use of it 
tend infallibly to gluttony? Alcoholic poisons cause intense 
bodily suffering, infatuate the mind, tickle the nerves, and ex- 
cite the brain. Our object is definite, most distinctly marked 
— to put these poisons entirely out of use. The true remedy 
is voluntary total abstinence. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



Burlington, N. J., July 16, 1820. 

Esteemed Friend — (Excuse my Quaker introduction; you 
know where I am.) I confess with no small shame that I have 
transgressed many of the laws of politeness, and done that 
which should forfeit much of your esteem and confidence, by 
neglecting to answer your favor for so long a time. Yet, as 
you say, " I am selfish enough to hope" that you will not alto- 
gether discard me from claims of intimacy, and receiving once 
in a while a mark of your regard from your hand. You will 
admit, and so will all my acquaintances, that it was always a 
foible of mine to disparage or underrate my own abilities, and 
that among other things I always professed myself unskilled 
in the art of letter writing; however it might be in other re- 
spects, in this I certainly told the truth. And if you till this 
time doubted it, I may now cry out with Falstaff, " Ecce sig- 
num!" 

My dear , you are now about to become a lawyer, 

and learn to tell a long story; you will then, of course, not be 
displeased with a long letter. If there were no other excuse 
for my delay, this might suffice: that I scrawl enough at once 
to last a long time. But there are other excuses. I will not 
enumerate many. One is that I am so crowded with studies at 
one time, and so beset with boys at another who are too idle to 
learn themselves and too busy to suffer others, that it is diffi- 
cult to find an opportunity. Your observation with respect to 
the value of my correspondence, implying that I could please 
others when I cannot please myself, I think "savoreth of flat- 
tery," which I should expect from almost any one sooner than 
you. If it could be reduced to a Q. E. D., speaking geomet- 
rically, that I do possess the faculty of interesting my friends, 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 25 

I would certainly, both from vanity and respect, address them 
more frequently. 

I learn both from yourself and others that you are about 
to "turn over a new leaf." And I am as sincere in telling 
you, as I am happy in hearing and believing, that your pros- 
pects are very fair not only for escaping disgrace but for ac- 
quiring honor. Your greatest hindrance was always diffidence ; 
but it is now time to shake off the shackles of boyish modesty 
and assume the dignity which a conscious sense of manly 
worth inspires. Do so, my friend; and ever adhere to truth 
and integrity, and you will find that though mankind are an 
unco' squad they will pay the respect due to merit and to vir- 
tue, and that more than mediocrity will be your fortune. For 
my own part I would ask no better fortune than a character 
of unimpeachable honesty, for such I esteem the summum 
bonum of existence. 

With regard to ambition I agree with you, that if it is 
ever laudable it is when it tends to the acquisition of knowl- 
edge. In this case, however, it lays us under some severe re- 
strictions, as you observe; even that, among others, of almost 
forgetting the existence of the ladies. But so it is : science and 
a ladies' man are never fond of one another. And since it is 
probably of more importance to fit yourself for your own 
emolument and your country's honor than to become the 
focus of a score of ladies' eyes, when law and love confine 
you to one, I highly approve of your resolution, arduous as 
the task is, of forgetting the ladies. Let it be so; at least 
for a while. Prepare yourself with the good things neces- 
sary, and no doubt some tender fair one will partake of your 
cheer with pleasure. 

It would be trifling indeed for me to hint at the import- 
ance of acquiring knowledge; it would be an insult to your 
good sense; it would be a servile repetition of the precept of 
every one — like other good ones, however, too seldom reduced 
to practice. I wish I could tell you something that would 
please you; be good enough, however, to receive the inten- 
tion for the act. I have never been out of sight of Burlington 
since I came here, which shows that I have been contented ; 
indeed, with many things I am highly pleased. 



126 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

I have just commenced learning- French; terms, three 
lessons per week, $5 per quarter. The school is probably as 
creditable, and as deservedly so, as any in the United States. 
Our teachers far surpass my expectations, and John Gummere 
is honored with the correspondence of some of the most sci- 
entific men in this country. He performs some philosophical 
experiments now, but many more in the winter. Some of the 
students are moral and decent, and some are quite the reverse. 
Some steal off from their teachers on Sundays and spend their 
time and money over the flowing goblets of Bacchus, and 
many of them are as familiar with the awful name of their Cre- 
ator as with the most intimate of their school-fellows. 

The only religious societies in Burlington are the Friends, 
Episcopalians, Methodists and Baptists, and of these I prefer 
the Friends, whose meeting I attend, together with most of 
our scholars, about three times a week. 

I will omit a geographical description of Burlington, as 
there is nothing remarkable in it. It is the residence, how- 
ever, of some great men, such as the venerable Elias Boudi- 
not, Horace Binney, Gen. Bloomfield, and Lawyers Griffith, 
Chauncey and Mcllvain. 

Present my most hearty respects to Mr. H , and please 

to tell him that I am as much his friend as if I did write; the 
only thing that hinders me is a sort of pride that cannot brook 
the idea of inferiority. There is no one whose correspondence 
I would more highly value ; but feeling unable to give par 
pari, I cannot think of writing. If my friend, however, will 
wait till I grow a little older and wiser, he will find me most 
willing to become a Philocletes to Hercules. 

Be particular to remember me to all my friends. Tell 

James D he has immortalized himself by his toast, the 4th 

of July, and that I am publishing his fame. I am happy to 
learn your father is restored to health; my sober respects to 

him (my ever kind friend) and Mrs. . The ladies, too 

— but, stay; you never see them. However, if chance should 
throw them in your way, you may tell them " I am yet alive." 

When I go to I hope to see you "face to face." Till 

then and forever you have for your welfare the sincere wishes 
of Samuel Aaron. 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 2 J 



Burlington, N. J., January 23, 1821. 

My Dear Friend — Without transgressing "truth and jus- 
tice," I cannot offer any excuse for my negligence. I am gen- 
erally busied about something or other, to be sure; but none 
of my engagements are so binding as to justify my neglect of 
a correspondence so agreeable and so profitable as yours. You 
mention the probability of my being surprised at your trans- 
gression of, etc. I confess your treating me so much better 
than I deserved did indeed surprise me. You will not think 
that I rate your natural kindness too meanly, for I would 
hardly have expected from those who profess to be my very 
warmest friends such promptness to oblige me where their 
own interest was so entirely unconcerned. Thrown upon the 
world as I am, one of the children of necessity, I have more 
reason than many others who want no assistance to remember 
with gratitude those that take an interest in my welfare. Mem- 
ory and gratitude must both desert me before I cease to re- 
gard your father as one especially from whom I have received 
what I had no reason to expect — the most distinguished marks 
of favor and attention. 

But to the point. There are several of my school-fellows 
who inform me of schools that I can have, but their manner 
of recommending them loses its effect with me, for they make 
the number sixty or seventy strong; enough, I think, to craze 
the clearest brain. A thousand pleasing recollections, which 
are always connected with a place that has long been our 
home, the theatre of our favorite pursuits and boyish plea- 
sures, tend to make D a situation in my view preferable 

to any other, and I would rather live there than reign any- 
where else. It is absolutely impracticable for me to leave the 
school here in less than two weeks; but after that time I would 
cheerfully acquiesce in your father's proposal, provided he 
could entirely free me from teaching Latin and Greek, which 
I am positively unfit for. Can he not weather it out until the 

7th of February, with R- 's assistance and yours ? In two 

weeks I shall get sufficient knowledge of Fluxions to pursue 
the study alone, and I am now determined to turn mathema- 
tician in my own defence. 



128 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Since a complete knowledge of one subject alone requires 
a life-time, if we wish to excel, we must give a particular sub- 
ject particular attention. First rate literary acquirements for 
me are out of the question. Mathematicians are scarce; and 
those who excel are considered eminent persons. I do not 
wish to divide my studies, and I believe they must be mathe- 
matical. For this reason I must declare " pregnis et calcibus " 

against teaching the languages. I wish you or Mr. 

would write me immediately on the receipt of this, so that we 
may both stand on sure footing and not disappoint or misun- 
derstand each other. 

The young men of Burlington, in connection with our 
students, have formed a society for the encouragement of do- 
mestic manufactures. There are about fifty members, some 
of them very respectable, and some rather the contrary. We 
admit none above thirty years old but as honorary members. 
The belongers are generally above eighteen years of age. 
You will not think me more than usually vain if I tell you 
that I was president. However, I resigned last Monday night, 
and one of our Philadelphia boys was elected. Can't you raise 

up such an association in D ? I forgot to tell you, that 

if a member was caught with a coat of foreign cloth, he must 
pay five dollars fine or be expelled. 

We have now in our school a debating and recitation 
society; but I think one will kill the other before long. I am 
sorry yours has fallen through in D . It is a very pro- 
per place for such a club, and I think you ought to have one. 

There is an article in the papers about my brother M 

having killed a wild cat, and I am daily interrogated on the 
subject. I have seen no account of it myself, but whatever 
the fact really was, it is here magnified into a great exploit. 
It is disagreeable to write or compose this morning, January 
24th, for the mercury is eleven degrees below zero, and the 
stove completely barricaded by boys, so that between frost 
and noise my ideas are all driven away. I am expecting a 
"feast of reason and a flow of soul" when I see you, which I 
hope will be shortly. I am glad you went to see and hear 
Kean ; I must ask you a thousand questions about him. To 
your family, and my friends generally, I would be remembered. 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 29 

Think of the cold weather and excuse my poorly written 
epistle. With respect and affection, yours, etc. 

Samuel Aaron. 



Burlington, September 19, 1822. 

My Dear Friend — Although I promised to write to you 
soon, partly from a press of business and partly through natu- 
ral indolence, I have thus long neglected to perform a really 
pleasing task, and one which, I can truly say, it was not my 
intention to omit so long. It is evening, and I am writing in 
the school-room. The boys are not very still, and I have to 
be calling to "order" pretty often, so that I have not quite a 
fair opportunity to muster up my thoughts and give you the 
best of them. 

I have often laughed when thinking of the sang froid with 
which you receive your friends and part from them; and when 
I lately left you I was better pleased with our parting cere- 
mony than if it had been such as w r ould have taken place be- 
tween — * and a friend. Although our words were very 

few, I was none the less inclined to think you wished me well ; 
nor did I feel any diminution of the warm regard I have long 
had for you. 

Some new things must have taken place in D be- 
fore this time, and I am all anxiety to have your own curious 
kind of an account of them. For you must know I think you 
great at description of this "sort of thing." 

I find by the paper just received that "Dennis" has been 
answered. It is remarked that he "does not deserve a reply"; 
and it is certainly true that a sorry reply he gets. 

You either have, or pretend to have, the advantage of me, 
in knowing my style, as you call it. I cannot boast this with 
regard to you, and therefore propose, for mutual amusement, 
that we make a mutual disclosure of our authorship, if either 
should scribble anything for the paper, and criticise privately 
in our own letters each other's faults. These remarks should 
be delivered in the blunt and candid language of truth and 
honest friendship. 



REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



This is now the fifth week of my being here, and the third 
of my teaching. I commenced teaching sooner than I ex- 
pected; but perhaps it is as much to my advantage. I teach 
all the grammarians and attend to the reading. This takes 
up two hours and a half. The rest of the time I do whatever 
wants doing. J. Gummere has been away two days and left 
to me the charge of the school. The boys are most trouble- 
some after they go to bed. It is rather a temptation for them 
to cut up when there are twenty or thirty of them near each 
other at the time of going to bed and getting up, when they 
are particularly inclined to mischief. 

I am reading Telemachus in French; find it pretty easy, 
and can get ten pages in an hour. I have here a most excel- 
lent opportunity to improve in many kinds of knowledge, but 
not much in general reading. 

Remember me to ail my friends. I am afraid my letter 
is not worth a fi' -penny bit; but if you think so, and let me 
know, I will try and mend in the next. 

Yours with all my heart, 

Samuel ^aron. 



Burlington, February 10, 1823. 

My Dear Friend — I received yours, requiring an answer 
"right on the reel"; and certainly intended to have one spun 
sooner, but have been negligent as usual. I had heard of your 
illness, and was glad to find you in a fair way to recover. I 
hope you are now enjoying excellent health and your usual 
good spirits. You have given me a pleasing and humorous 
account of your debate, and I hope I shall hereafter be obliged 
to you for similar favors. I have chosen your question for 
discussion, and taken in my opinion for the best side. 

I assert that the spendthrift is a character much more in- 
jurious to society than the miser. To do injury in society it 
is necessary for the man who does it to be a social being. 
The domestic, private virtues or vices have but little influ- 
ence; if they spread at all, they are limited by very narrow 



CORRESPONDENCE. J 3 I 

bounds. I admit that the ruling passions of the miser and the 
spendthrift are equally corrosive to the soul; perhaps, indeed, 
those of the miser are more abhorrent to the character of a 
good citizen, considered within themselves. But the limita- 
tion to which they are subjected is what makes them less poi- 
sonous to the virtue of the community than the more agree- 
able, and consequently more prevalent, vices of tiie prodigal. 
If, as you observed, "the miser chooses to starve himself, let 
him do it;" the effect on society, if any is produced, will be 
slight and transient, — a wretch, despised as far as known, has 
made room for a better citizen. 

Many traits in the character of the spendthrift have their 
attractions with most persons. His profusion is for a while 
called liberality; his dissolute manners, a noble independence 
of mind. The simplicity and fervor of the youthful heart are 
captivated by these false names, and the companions of the 
prodigal, who are never few, are often driving in the current; 
of intemperance while they think themselves still on the firm 
footing of virtue. The miser represents a heap of filth covered 
up and prevented from doing harm. The corruption of the 
spendthrift taints the whole moral atmosphere around him. 
The former is a self destroyer; the latter, like Samson, together, 
with himself, overwhelms many. The miser secretly and si- 
lently hoards up wealth, acquired rather by a self deprivation 
of the comforts of life than by defrauding others, for few will 
have intercourse with so odious a being ; the spendthrift 
wastes the substance of his fathers in "riotous living." The 
coveting wretch has no friend; the prodigal, like Altamont, 
has, and, like Altamont. ruins him. The cue defrauds his 
neighbor of a sum of money, perhaps, if occasion offer; the 
other allures his associates into habits like his own, and thus 
effects the sacrifice of their immortal interests. The miser 
drags on a miserable old age in his own hovel; the spend- 
thrift becomes the tenant of a prison or an alms-house. The 
former is found dead beside his gold; the other is, sometimes 
at least, led out before the multitude to a shameful death, a 
dreadful exhibition of the effects of human depravity; or, per- 
haps, with a still lofty spirit and outrageous hand he termi- 
nates his own existence; or, most likely, he expires among 



132 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

his equals in wretchedness in the house where common char- 
ity just gives enough to misery to support life. You will not 
argue that the spendthrift, in the profuseoess with which he 
lavishes his money, is a supporter of the public prosperity. 
You will not say that he enables the indigent to live or the 
industrious to thrive by squandering his property. Alas! 
none profit by his profusion but taverns and gamblers. His 
good things glut the votaries of vice, and his abundance is 
poured into the sink of infamy. The miser contributes, how- 
ever unwillingly, his part to the public treasury, and this com- 
prises most of what he gives either for good or evil. 

I must speak of the evil resulting to the families of the 
wretched subjects of my discussion. I have seldom known 
covetousness to produce the ruin of wife, children, parents, 
friends. In the shipwreck of his character, the avaricious 
wretch himself only suffers. But what I see I believe; and I 
have seen, and so have you, the dreadful effects of intemper- 
ance and prodigality. I, myself, have witnessed the tears and 
distresses of an amiable and high spirited woman who was tied 
to a spendthrift husband. That woman I saw in the course of 
four or five years broken-hearted, and hurried prematurely to 
the grave. I wish to attach no particular importance to this 
individual fact. I only mention it as in point; it has made an 
impression which can never be worn away. 

To conclude; since we are to judge of evil by its preva- 
lence as well as character, I believe that the spendthrift, who is 
an open violator of the precepts of morality and dictates of 
reason, is a far more injurious member of the community than 
the miser, whose habits are domestic, and vileness not exposed. 

You will answer me soon and at good length, I hope. I 
suppose I must reply again to give you an opportunity of 
choosing your subject and your side. I desire you to spare 
me a little in your answer, as I dislike in a race to be too far 
outrun. You charge me with flattery; but I cannot for my 
life help thinking you far my superior in taste with regard to 
writing. You require an explanation of my remarks respect- 
ing your piece. My criticism would have been "needless," 
because to me there were no obvious faults; "improper," be- 
cause I certainly could not have improved it. You must not 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 33 

be discouraged by my first essay; but try the experiment right 
fairly, the result may be a mutual if not an equal improvement. 
Tell me whether this last phrase is correct, "mutual if not 
equal." I will send R a song with regard to the Ren- 
contre of the "Baron Las Cases" with "Sir Hudson Lawe." 
If you have not seen the "Voice from St. Helena," get it, and 
read it. Be good enough, if you think of it, and see Mr. 
Miner, to ask him on what terms he will print an "Almanac 
adapted to the meridian and latitude of Doylestown, care- 
fully calculated by Samuel Aaron"? Mind, I am in earnest. 

Give my love to all my friends. You must tell me more 
news than I do you, and remember that I am your devoted 
and most sincere friend, Samuel Aaron. 

Esq. Excuse the Title. 

A lady said to the Governor of New Hampshire, "Will 
your Excellency have a little cream in your Excellency's tea?" 



Burlington, April 24, 1824. 
My Esteemed Friend — Although, like you, I have nothing 
to say, I will, nevertheless, attempt to fill up three pages of my 
sheet. So diametrically opposite are our pursuits in life that 
anything immediately connected with them would hardly af- 
ford matter of correspondence; yet I think our estimates of 
men and manners, our ideas of honor and principle, of vice 
and virtue, and perhaps our opinions in politics, are not so 
dissimilar. But I fear I am a little too fast in thus identifying 
our political partialities. You are for the Harrisburg ticket, 
Jackson and Calhoun; I am not. I am for John Quincy 
Adams and General Jackson (an opinion, of course, of great 
consequence to the nation), because the former is our most 
experienced statesman, and the latter a character next in 
grade, our ablest warrior. Even here we do no doubt really 
agree in sentiment, only that you, independent as you are, 
must be somewhat warped by the logic of some of your best 
and most important friends. I do believe there are very many 
who have a decided preference for Adams that do not openly 



134 R EV. SAMUEL AARON. 

declare for him, from some cause which it is difficult to ac- 
count for in a very rational way, but which arises from the 
complicate "operation" of party machinery. 

Four of us here have subscribed for the "American 
Monthly Magazine." I suppose you are acquainted with it. 
We have received four numbers, and I have glanced over 
them all, but I do not think it to possess much merit. There 
are sketches of Jackson and Clay that I like pretty well, but 
there is a great deal of most insipid poetry and a goodly por- 
tion of love affairs in the truly vapid style. The editor is said 
to be the author of the "Star Spangled Banner." He does 

one thing that is very well — only I fear, like F 's political 

exertions, it may produce an effect contrary to his intentions 
— he reprobates Byron's celebrated writings, and pronounces 
them entirely undeserving of public patronage, and extremely 
prejudicial to taste and morals. All this I conceive to be very 
true, and most heartily wish it to have general effect. I do 
not read Byron's poetry, but hear enough of it to disgust me. 

I sincerely wish it were in my power to tell you news 
that might gratify you; a difficulty which you do not en- 
counter in writing to me; for what is there connected with 

D that is not most welcome to me ? and emphatically so 

when coming from yourself. 

John Gummere has gone a journey which will carry 
him perhaps to North Carolina, and keep him from home 
about four weeks. He is accompanying Stephen Grailette 
(whom you may remember) part of his way on a religious 
tour, which he is making in the southern and southwestern 
states. The Quakers in New Orleans are exceedingly des- 
pised, and I am afraid poor, old, honest Stephen will fare al- 
most as ill as his venerable namesake in days of old. 

Please remember me kindly to all my friends. 
Your sincere friend, 

Samuel Aaron. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 35 



[ON BOARD A CANAL PACKET ON THE GREAT HUDSON AND ERIE CANAL, NOW 
LYING IN THE ClTY OF SCHENECTADY, STATE OF NlAV YORK.] 

June 4, 1833. 

Dear E. — I have reason to be thankful for the preserva- 
tion of my life and health, and sincerely hope you may be 
enjoying the good gifts of a bounteous providence. I staid 
longer at Philadelphia than I intended, chiefly through the 
persuasion of Mr. Brantley, who had a protracted meeting in 
his house in connection with the Central Union Association. 
I preached there on Wednesday evening. On Thursday after- 
noon I reached Burlington, where I preached on Friday eve- 
ning. Many of the hearers were Friends. 

The most wonderful of my adventures is now to be told. 
I conversed with Mr. Gummere and Mr. Atherton on the sub- 
ject of the school, and have made up my mind to embrace 

their proposition. Mr. G , as I told you, proposes to go 

to Friends' School, West of Philadelphia, and leave his philo- 
sophical apparatus and his large library for our use, and pro- 
portion the rent to the number of our scholars. Mr. A 

proposes to take the whole charge of the household economy, 
and that I should reside in a private residence and manage the 
lectures on natural philosophy. This fall, therefore, you may 
think of becoming a resident of Burlington, if life and health 
permit. 

I left Burlington Saturday noon, took the railroad at 
Bordentown, rode on it thirty-five miles to South Amboy at 
the rate of twelve miles per hour; took steamboat there and 
arrived in New York about sunset Saturday evening; stayed at 
New York till Monday morning at seven o'clock. I went to 
hear Mr. Cone on Sunday morning and to St. Paul's Church 
in the afternoon, and Dr. McCauley's lecture room in the eve- 
ning. Took steamboat North America for Albany (the swift- 
est perhaps in the world) and arrived in Albany before sunset. 
There is much sublime scenery on the North river, but the 
land is all barren. Some mountains on the shore rise to a 
height of about twelve-hundred feet. Albany is a place of 
great business; has some beautiful buildings and a great num- 



6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



ber of churches. I went on Monday evening to Mr. Welsh's 
meeting-house to attend a concert, but as he was sick he was 
not present. I stayed at the Temperance house in Albany, 
and left there this morning (Tuesday) for Schenectady, on the 
rail, in one of nine cars drawn by a steam engine, running 
part of the way at the rate of twenty miles an hour. 

The boat in which I am now sitting has this moment 
started for Utica, a distance of eighty miles. From there I 
will go to Erie, Pa.; then to Detroit; and next to Indianapolis. 
I shall probably be home in five weeks from this time if 
providence permits; sooner than I expected. 

Remember me kindly to all at home, and other friends 
you may see. May a kind providence protect us both, and 
permit us to meet again and spend many happy days together. 
Your affectionate husband, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Woodcock Township, Crawford Co., Pa., 

June 18, 1833. 

Dear E. — I write these lines in the house of J E , 

where I have been permitted, through the goodness of provi- 
dence, to arrive safely after a disagreeable, if not dangerous, 
passage over Lake Erie. I have several letters to write, but 
commence, as is my duty and my pleasure, with you. 

After I wrote to you from Schenectady, I went on in the 
canal packet to Utica (eighty miles) and stayed there two 
days. Utica is a beautiful town of ten thousand inhabitants, 
containing many buildings truly elegant, and having a trade 
and business of great extent. While at Utica I visited a 
manual labor school called the Oneida Institute, where they 
have more than one hundred students, and five hundred or 
more applicants that they cannot admit. From Utica I went 
on in the canal packet for Rochester (one hundred and sixty 
miles) where I arrived on Sunday morning before breakfast, 
June 8th. This is a large thriving town on Genesee river, 
where the water of that river, one hundred and fifty yards wide, 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 3 J 

falls at one pitch ninety-six feet, and a mile and a half lower 
down, eighty feet more. These falls present a sublime spec- 
tacle. At the upper one, Sam Patch lost his life by leaping 
down from a scaffold thirty feet above the brow of the preci- 
pice into the abyss below. He had made many such experi- 
ments before, but here he took his last leap. I passed Sun- 
day in this place, partly in attending public worship, partly in 
gazing at the stupendous cataracts, and partly in walking 
down to Lake Ontario and back, distant seven or eight miles. 
Monday morning the 9th, left Rochester in boat, as be- 
fore, for Tonnewanta, distant eighty miles, on the grand canal, 
and eleven miles from the Falls of Niagara. Arrived at Ton- 
newanta at three o'clock on Tuesday morning, whence I sent 
on my baggage to Buffalo, and immediately set out alone on 
foot with part of the old moon to light me along the mighty 
river Niagara, to visit the great cataract, the wonder of the 
world. I saw it. I gazed upon it with awe. I listened to its* 
tremendous roar, and thought of the voice of Him that is like 
the voice of many waters, and of the great white throne of 
Him from whose face the heavens and the earth fled away. 
I crossed the river just below the falls to the British side, and 
went to view the battle-grounds at Lundy's lane, Chippewa, 
and Fort Erie, where thousands of our countrymen and of our 
country's enemies fell in the fierce strife of battle. I stayed 
all night on the battle-ground of Chippewa; walked up the 
next day to the mouth of Lake Erie and crossed over to Buf- 
falo on Wednesday evening. This is a town of nine or ten 
thousand inhabitants, at the western end of the grand canal, 
and the eastern end of Lake Erie; a place of prodigious busi- 
ness. I stayed here in consequence of unsettled weather till 
Friday morning last, when I took passage in the steamboat 
Ohio, for Erie, Pa. A very strong wind was blowing directly 
ahead, and the boat had to put in on the Canada side, behind 
a point of land called Point Ebony, where she cast anchor till 
dark; then in the teeth of the wind, but little abated, she set 
out and worked her way against the storm during the whole 
night. There were probably more than three hundred pas- 
sengers on board, and among them many women and child- 
ren, and a great number were sea-sick. The motion of the 



I30 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

boat was like that of a galloping horse, interrupted by many 
a pitch and stumble. After being on the lake twenty-seven 
hours, we arrived safe at Erie, distant from Buffalo about one 
hundred miles. I met with no other accident than the loss of 
my hat, when I was attempting to draw up a bucket of water 
for one of the women passengers. 

I arrived at Erie near one o'clock p. m., then thirty-two 

miles distant from J E 's. I walked that afternoon 

on my way fifteen miles; then came the rest of the distance 
next morning in the stage. They were glad to see me, and 
gave me a hearty welcome, and say I must not leave them for 
several days. They are in good health; have a productive 
piece of land of fifty acres. The country has a very uneven 
surface; pretty good water; and is as healthy, probably, as 

about N , if not more so. I cannot yet say when you may 

expect me home. I am very anxious to see Indiana and 
Ohio, though I shall probably not pass through Michigan. 

Remember me kindly to relatives and friends. 
Your affectionate husband, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Doylestown, May 26, 1821. 

Mr. Chairman — The subject I have chosen as the founda- 
tion of my remarks on the present occasion, is the use and 
importance of brevity. Brevity is a rule which I dislike to 
see transgressed when I am a hearer, and one which I hope 
ever to pay proper attention to when a speaker. Advocating 
the cause I do, you will certainly expect me to be concise; 
and conciseness comports both with my time and capacity. 
Perspicuity ought to be the chief consideration of every man 
who is an instructor of youth, a public speaker, or an author. 
And, I think that, second in importance to perspicuity, we 
may justly place brevity. 

I will first notice the instruction of youth. It is not by 
a multitude of tedious rules aud theorems that the minds of 
youth are filled with permanent and useful knowledge, but by 
familiar and brief illustrations and examples. Where is the 



CORRESPONDENCE. -I 39 

boy, be his genius what it may, that would understand the 
most labored description of the nature of that simple and use- 
ful proportion called the " rule of three" ; and yet, where is the 
booby, I might ask, that will not directly see its use and ap- 
plication when practically exemplified in a concise and famil- 
iar manner? Would you, sir, put into the hands of youth a 
folio volume of Grammar with which to commence the study? 
I presume, though the style were masterly and the plan en- 
tirely unexceptional, you would prefer a comprehensive and 
well-arranged manual; and the more concise the better, if 
general principles were sufficiently attended to. I have ever 
remarked, in the narrow sphere of my observation, that in in- 
structing youth or explaining to them the nature of any sub- 
ject susceptible of demonstration, no more steps should be 
taken in arriving at the end in view than are necessary in 
order to be clear and lucid. The demonstration should be 
come at in such a manner that the mind may take in the 
whole at once, and distinctly see every link in the connecting 
chain between the premises and inference. Such are the ad- 
mired theorems of geometry, unequalled for their simplicity, 
and the incontrovertible certainty and truth with which the 
conclusion is deduced from the proposition. Truth thus ac- 
quired is received with rapture; it bursts upon us with resist- 
less energy: there is no doubt, not the slightest shadow of 
uncertainity, conviction takes entire possession of the soul, 
and we are equally pleased with our own and our preceptor's 
ingenuity. But when the reasoning is clogged with a ponder- 
ous load of words, the patience and memory are both ex- 
hausted; the object we set out for lost sight of and forgotten; 
and if we are so fortunate at last as to distinguish the truth at 
all, we embrace it coldly, and in a manner ill-suited to its 
value and importance. 

In the second place, I notice that brevity is necessary for 
a public speaker. The great object of every voluntary speaker 
is to be heard with attention ; and the right way to be heard 
with attention is not to begin till we have something to say, 
and, continually keeping the end in view, to stop as soon as 
we have done. We can even bear with the fool in his folly 
if he makes his story short; yet, 



J40 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

" We from the wordy torrent fly ; 
Who listens to the chattering pye " ? 

The very wisest, greatest, and most eloquent of mankind could 
not hold our attention enchained long were he to exert every 
power and energy of his genius and invention. Solomon, 
who probably never studied the science of modern ethics (or 
he would not have been so impolite), says, that the " fool is 
known by a multitude of words"; and a greater than Solo- 
mon has denounced the heaviest punishments upon those 
religious teachers who, for the sake of external show, lengthen 
out their prayers and speeches beyond proper bounds. The 
fact is, in attending to specimens of oratory, we shall find that 
our admiration is not proportioned to the length of the speech, 
but is regulated by the sublime and elevated sentiments, the 
clear and conclusive arguments, the tender and unaffected 
pathos of the speaker. And the properties in their own gen- 
uine character do occupy but a small part of every long speech, 
And most three-hour speeches, I apprehend, might, with ad- 
vantage to themselves and satisfaction to the audience, be re- 
duced to one-third of their length. It is probably best to 
ground our arguments on a few clear and fair propositions, to 
state our reasons with force and candor, and having placed 
the best of them in their most favorable light, to proceed to 
the inference, and thus leave the question to its fate. Where 
such means as these will not gain a cause before an impartial 
judge, it is not worth defending; where shuffling or evasion 
must be resorted to, we may with Junius say that the effect 
will be "to contract the understanding and to corrupt the 
head." Were these things attended to, we should not see 
gentlemen of the bar wearying the patience and distracting 
the minds of a jury with a mass of stuff, the only tendency of 
which was to convince them of the badness of the cause and 
the insincerity of the speaker. 

Lastly, with regard to authors. How many of those 
massive volumes that inundate the world are almost entirely 
neglected, and when read, how little remembered. Every 
subject must be represented in a striking and pleasing light 
in order to arrest the attention and impress the mind ; and 
this cannot be done in ponderous folios; the ingenious and 



CORRESPONDENCE. 14* 

inquiring mind must pass with a light and easy step from 
truth to truth and not crawl lazily and heavily along with an. 
almost imperceptible motion. "Do unto others as you wish 
them to do unto you," is the concise rule that explains all the. 
duties and obligations in the social intercourse between man 
and man; and all the refinements of moral philosophy have 
never made it clearer or more intelligible than it is in its sim- 
ple state. These fine-spun systems, indeed, have amused the 
learned, but have never informed or interested the ignorant. 

Finally, though subjects may be diffusely treated of for 
the perusal of the learned, and those who have leisure, yet no 
work need be carried beyond the extent that is necessary to 
make it plain and easily understood. 

Samuel Aaron. 



Boston, Eighth-month 3, 1827. 
Dear Friend — Thy very acceptable letter of the 30th we 
received upon our arrival here yesterday, and as thou mayest 
feel some curiosity to know a little of our movements in this 
"land of steady habits," before we reach home, I will scribble 
a few lines for thy amusement. I think my brother wrote 
thee from Providence, and probably gave thee a little account 
of our movements up to that time. 

During the second day of our stay at Providence we vis- 
ited Brown University, and were much pleased with the con- 
versation, manners, etc., of Wayland, their president. We had 
a letter from J. Griscom to one of the professors, who hap- 
pened to be from home on a visit, and we in consequence in- 
troduced ourselves to the president. He is a young man, a 
minister in your society, and is said to have made a great 
revolution in the institution for the better in the course of six 
or eight months. I mentioned Rush's w r ork to him. He- 
seemed much pleased to hear of it; said he should get it and 
read it with care, and I think will be able to estimate it 
properly. 

We left Providence yesterday morning about 5.30, took 
breakfast at Walpole, distant twenty-one miles, and arrived 
here about one p. m. John and I walked out a little during 



142 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

the afternoon, and took tea and spent a couple of hours very 
pleasantly with N. Bowditch. This morning we visited the 
State House, and had a fine bird's eye view of the city from 
its top. We then went to Faneuil Hall, the cradle of liberty, 
and afterwards to the Atheneum, etc. This afternoon we 
went over to Charlestown and Breed's Hill. The situation of 
the old redoubt is very distinct yet, and, as thou knowest, they 
have commenced a granite monument on the site where most 
of the British fell. It is to be two hundred feet in height. 
Since then we have been to Cambridge and several adjacent 
places. To-morrow morning we shall set out for Nahant, 
Lynn and Salem, which will occupy us two days. We shall 
then return here, and set out by stage for Northampton. 

We should like to receive another letter from thee at 
New Haven, Connecticut, where we shall probably be on Fifth- 
day next. For further particulars of our movements, I refer 
thee to S. R. Gummere when he arrives in Burlington. I 
think one of us will try to write again from Northampton. 
Thine respectfully, 

Samuel R. Gummere. 
To Samuel Aaron. 



To all people to whom these presents shall come. The Baptist 

Church at Nezv Britain, in Bucks County, Pa., sendelh 

greeting : 

The bearer hereof, our beloved brother Samuel Aaron, 
being a man of good moral character, real piety and sound 
knowledge of divine things, and having been called to the 
exercise of his ministerial gifts, whereof we have now had 
considerable trial, both in private and public, we have judged 
him worthy, and do therefore hereby license and authorize him, 
to preach the gospel wherever he may have a call, not doubt- 
ing but that in due time circumstances will lead to a more full 
investiture of him in the ministerial office by ordination. In 
the meantime, we recommend him to favor and respect, pray- 
ing the Lord may be with and abundantly bless him. 

Done at our meeting for business the 31st of May, 1828. 
And signed by order of the church. 

Isaiah James, Church Clerk. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 43 



Brown University, Sept. 5, 1838. 
Sir — I have the honor to inform you that at a meeting of 
the Board of Fellows of Brown University, the honorary de- 
gree of Master of Arts was conferred upon you by that au- 
thority, and that the act was duly announced on the day of 
the annual commencement, September 5, 1838. 

I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient 
servant, F. Wayland. 

Rev. Samuel Aaron, Burlington, N. J. 



[Extract from a letter written by John C. Ten Eyck, Esq., who after- 
wards became U. S. Senator from N. J.] 

Mount Holly, Feb. 26, 1841. 
Dear Sir — I regret exceedingly to learn your determina- 
tion to leave Burlington for a residence in Pennsylvania. 
Thus has it always been in New Jersey, as soon as we begin 
to take pride in a citizen, either the want of proper encourage- 
ment, or a more attractive allurement, is sure to deprive us of 
the credit which his further residence and usefulness would 
reflect upon us, and in this wa/ are our proudest possessions 
made the property of others. I would, as a man and a Jersey- 
man, it were not so. * * * * 
Yours very respectfully, 

John C. Ten Eyck. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Burlington, Fifth-month 13, 1841. 

Dear Friend — At a meeting of the Temperance Union 
Benef. Society, held this evening, the following preamble and 
resolution were unanimously adopted, every member promptly 
rising in token of assent. I was appointed to write to thee. 

Whereas, Our fellow-member and late fellow-citizen, 
Samuel Aaron, was intimately connected with the organization 



144 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

of this society, and has rendered important aid by his counsels 
and services in its subsequent operations; and 

Whereas, He has been, during his whole residence in 
Burlington, eminent for his self-sacrificing devotion to the tru- 
est welfare of his fellow-men; 

Resolved, That we entertain the sincerest affection for him 
personally, and respect for the enlarged philanthropy and the 
high moral stand which he has maintained through evil re- 
port and good report; and that while we regret the loss of his 
valuable services among us, we desire that the divine blessing 
may rest upon him and upon his labors of love in the com- 
munity among whom he now resides. 

James L. Hart and myself were continued a committee 
to make arrangements for a meeting to be addressed by thee 
at any time when thou can so favor us. 

Thy affectionate friend, 

Wm. J. Allinson. 



Kennett Square P. O. Chester Co., Pa., 
October n, 1841. 
Dear Sir — I have been requested, as Corresponding Sec- 
retary of the Chester County Temperance Society, to inform 
you of our next meeting, and in behalf of the society to invite 
you to be present and favor us with an address. It would be 
impossible for me to describe the satisfaction and delight 
which your speech, delivered in West Chester on the 3d of 
July last, gave to the members of our society, as well as many 
others who had the good fortune to be present on that occa- 
sion. You remember it was the last day of the week in harvest 
time, a day when all our farmers were so extremely busy that 
very many of them were compelled to remain at home who 
would gladly have bee*n at the meeting. This accounts for 
the fact that a large portion of the audience were females from 
different parts of the county, whose zeal induced them to break 
away from engagements which would have kept them at home 
had the meeting been of any other kind. On their return to 
their families they gave (so far as I have had an opportunity 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 45 

of learning) the most glowing accounts of "Samuel Aaron's 
speech," which has created a most anxious desire in the minds 
of hundreds, perhaps I might say thousands, to hear you ad- 
vocate the noble cause, who were deprived of the opportunity 
of listening to you then. I, in common with others, do most 
sincerely hope that you will be able to favor us with your pres- 
ence and counsel at our next meeting. We want another just 
such a speech as we had at West Chester, which in my opin- 
ion was as luminous as light itself and strong as Pennsylvania 
iron. Some of the young men of the borough thought it 
rather harsh; but so long as the truth is deemed harsh, I pray 
God that your speeches may ever abound with harshness. 

We would not call on one who lives so far to leave his 
home and come to our aid, did we not believe that an effort 
of yours would do more good at this time, in this county, than 
that of any man to whom we could apply. We need some one 
who has power to electrify the people ; one whose spirit-stirring 
voice will strike upon the public ear like the thunders of Otis, 
of Henry, and of Mirabeau, in former glorious though infinitely 
less beneficent revolutions; one whose reasoning will break 
upon the public mind like the sudden light of morning in a trop- 
ical clime ; one that is able to show the people, in an impressive 
and effectual manner, the enormous burden of taxation which 
they are patiently because ignorantly laboring under in con- 
sequence of the rum trade; one that can lay a mighty grasp 
upon the moral sensibilities of his hearers, and shake them 
until they are thoroughly aroused. Allow me, then, the plea- 
sure of announcing in our county papers your name as one of 
the speakers, and our next meeting will, I trust, be a mighty 
gathering of the people. 

The society will meet on the first Saturday of November 
next, at ten o'clock a. m., at Unionville, which is on the State 
road, about ten miles from West Chester. The friends of tem- 
perance, and also the friends of impartial liberty, who are pretty 
numerous in this section, would be highly gratified if you 
could make it convenient to yourself to remain in our neigh- 
borhood a few days at least. At any rate we cannot but in- 
dulge the hope that you will come to Kennett, which is but 
four miles from Unionville, and spend the night with us after 



I46 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

the society adjourns; and, if it would not be asking too much, 
favor us with a lecture on either temperance or equal rights, 
as you may choose, the next afternoon at Kennett Square. I 
will say no more until I learn from your own pen whether you 
can come or not. In the meantime I shall continue to hope 
until I know the certainty. 

Yours truly, Sumner Stebbixs. 

To Samuel Aarox. 



[Extract from a Letter from John W. Hazletox, who afterwards be- 
came a Member of Coxgrfss.] 

Mullica Hill, , 1 841. 

My Dear Friend — * * * I believe it is usually 
gratifying for persons to hear that they have done some good 
in the world; and I think it can be said with justice that your 
effort at Woodbury, N. J., had a great effect upon the audi- 
ence. Could all the inhabitants of New Jersey heard your 
lecture at that time, I have no doubt but that the abominable 
practice of horse-racing would be repealed by law; as it is, I 
fear the result. * * * It is with pleasure I inform you 
that those persons who objected to your lecturing in the 
church at this place, show a disposition to retract their reso- 
lutions. One of the heads of the church wished me to invite 
you to come again, and the church, if it is in his power, shall 
be at your service. He was induced to do this by hearing a 
part of your discourse at Woodbury on the horse-racing sub- 
ject. There is also a person here who wishes to have a pri- 
vate discourse with you upon religious matters, if you should 
ever visit us again. He is, in my opinion, a good man, al- 
though he differs from most religious societies; and I think 
you will, after conversing with him, come to the conclusion 
that he entertains many just notions. If he does not, then 
you will have the pleasure of correcting him, for he is open to 
conviction. 

But I will not weary your patience longer, but will con- 
clude by inviting you to visit me as soon as practicable. 
I am, with respect, your sincere friend, 

J. W. H. 
Rev. Samuel Aarox. 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 47 

Philadelphia, First-month 7th, 1843. 

My Dear Friend — When I hear of thy labors in the cause 
of suffering humanity, the relation which formerly subsisted 
between us of teacher and pupil often calls thee vividly before 
my mind ; and though an opportunity has seldom offered to 
extend in person the right hand of fellowship, I can assure 
thee my aspirations have often ascended to our common Fa- 
ther that he would preserve and keep thee, and that thy labors 
in his vineyard may be blessed. In looking at the present 
state of the world, and observing the suffering and degrada- 
tion into which thousands of our race are plunged, the Chris- 
tian mind cannot fail to be affected with sorrow. While sla- 
very and intemperance are prostrating the physical and spirit- 
ual energies of our fellow-beings, it is cause of gratitude to find 
that a faithful band is raised up out of all the denominations 
of Christians to bear a testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus. 

While many of our brethren are called upon to labor for 
the suffering bondmen, my attention has often been called, and 
particularly so of late, to the nominally free among us, — more 
especially those in large cities. At the last meeting of the 
Pennsylvania Abolition Society this subject claimed some at- 
tention. The school which was formerly taught under their 
direction, has been laid down in consequence of the free school 
system, to which all colors and classes are admitted; and this 
has placed at their disposal some funds which some of the 
members think cannot be more profitably employed than in 
an attempt at the improvement and elevation of a portion of 
the colored population in our city, and it has been thought a 
home missionary might spend a portion of time among them 
greatly to their advantage. * * * Let us know thy views 
respecting this matter. If thy numerous engagements will 
permit thee to drop a line at any time, be assured it will be 
very grateful to thy attached friend and old pupil, 

DlLLWYN PARRISH. 

To Samuel Aaron. 



148 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Norristown, June 21, 1843. 

Rev. Samuel Aaron : Dear Sir — I would be doing injus- 
tice to my feelings did I not apologize for not calling on you 
last evening, to express my concern at the outrage committed 
on your person. My time being fully occupied during the day 
and evening prevented me from coming. I have never in my 
life felt as I did when I heard of the outrage. I thought of 
you as a devoted Christian, a man and a patriot, devoted to 
the service of thy God, thy country and mankind, and thanked 
God in my heart that we had just such a man with us. I am 
not ashamed to acknowledge that my eyes more than once 
filled with tears of generous indignation, while I trembled 
with emotion at the treatment you had received in a Christian 
community. Although comparatively a stranger to me, I 
have listened to your voice from the pulpit, while my heart 
was gladdened with the joyful tidings you were proclaiming. 
I felt that you were my brother, and I have loved you as such, 
and shall always remain 

Your sincere friend, Thos. P. Knox. 

P. S. — In the country, as far as I have heard, but one feel- 
ing is expressed — that of just indignation at the treatment you 
have received; and I have seen more than one strong man 
tremble with emotion while expressing himself. T. P. K. 



Burlington, Sixth -month 30, 1843. 
My Dear Friend — Samuel Aaron I know will not be un- 
willing to receive, among the numerous evidences of friend- 
ship from other quarters, the expression of deep sympathy on 
rny part (and I may speak in behalf of all our family) with thee 
in thy late trials and present sufferings; and, I trust, of sin- 
cere pity for those misguided men who have so freely lent 
themselves to do the work of Satan. Probably the greater feel- 
ing should be expressed for them. For when a man whose 
spirit has been long guided by the good Director of Heaven 
suffers at the hands of the wicked, and suffers patiently, and 
with a fear of offending his Master only, there is cause to re- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 149 

joice that amid the corruptions of the world there are good ex- 
amples of fidelity and attachment to the laws of truth ; but when 
those influenced by ungoverned passions, and with their hearts 
hardened against the secret impulses of goodness and wisdom, 
betray the spirit of violence and rage, there is need to have 
compassion for their delusion. Receive, then, this assurance, 
that adversity and affliction have not the power to weaken the 
attachment and esteem that we have always cherished and will 
continue to cultivate for thee and thy services for good among 
men. Joseph Parrish. 



West Chester, Pa., July n, 1843. 

Brother Aaron — We have appointed a temperance harvest 
home to be held in our borough July 29th on the part of sev- 
eral societies. The meeting will be large. I have been re- 
quested to invite you to attend, and give you a special invita- 
tion to be the orator of the day. And I will add that it is a 
general and ardent desire that you may attend. Your friends 
here are numerous, and I hope that you may brush aside every 
obstacle to comply with their wishes. It was hoped that your 
face would be seen in our midst on the 4th. Let me say, as 
one of your friends, that it will be gratifying to me if amid 
your numerous calls you will forego any objection or engage- 
ment which may be dispensed with, and meet us on that day. 
It will be a pleasure to us to hear your voice again in our 
town, now that we are grown up to the stature of a man in the 
cause. Will you please send me an early reply? 

Permit me to express to you my admiration of your bear- 
ing in the late conflict and my utter abhorrence of the conduct 
of the assailants in their cowardly outrage. If it be agreeable 
to the A. General, I should be pleased to have the opportu- 
nity of assisting him in the prosecution of the offenders, with 
your assent. I suppose they may plead guilty, and avoid a 
scathing. However, I may attend your court, and will, if it 
is thought a trial will be had and Mr. Fox would permit me to 
"put in an oar." 

Yours truly, U. V. Pennypacker. 



I50 KEY. SAMUEL AAROX. 



Red Lion, New Castle Co., Del, August 1, 1843. 

My Dear Friend — I am requested by a committee of in- 
vitation to solicit the favor of your presence as a speaker at a 
temperance harvest home to be held at the "Cool Springs," 
near St. George's, Del., on Tuesday, 22d of August. It is ex- 
pected that the meeting will be numerously attended; perhaps 
not less than five thousand persons will be present. I told the 
committee that I had your promise that you would come down, 
if it were possible, at any time we had a meeting ; so they (the 
committee) hope strongly for a fulfillment of that promise. Do 
come, and give your friends in Delaware a sample of your log- 
ical reasoning and spirit-moving eloquence. 

The good people of Delaware, always remarkable for sym- 
pathy and generosity of feeling, sympathize strongly with you 
on account of your late unfortunate encounter with those friends 
of tumult and disorder. Allow me to say that the people of 
this vicinity have a very great desire to hear you speak, and 
after this invitation expectation will be on tip-toe. Do not dis- 
appoint them. I will meet you with a carriage at any time 
that suits you, at Wilmington or Delaware City. 

Please favor me with an immediate answer, and accept 
the kindest regards of your friend and old student, 

John J. Henry. 
To Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Kennett Square, August 3, 1846. 
Samuel Aaron : Respected Friend — I am very desirous of 
seeing you here at the annual meeting of the State Anti-Slav- 
ery Society, which will begin day after to-morrow. Do drop 
everything and come, if you can. Thomas Earle will be here 
to defend the invasion of Mexico, and I fear an impression will 
be made that the non-voters are the only opponents among 
the Abolitionists of this infamous war. I have been looking 
for some time to see something from you on the subject. It 
cannot be possible that you are either in favor of it or indiffer- 
ent about it. The meeting will be likely to hold three or four 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 5 I 

days, and if you cannot get here before the evening of the 6th 
that will do. Your presence would be welcomed more heart- 
ily than that of any other man in Pennsylvania by a majority 
of those who will be present. I speak what I know, not in a 
spirit of flattery but of frank sincerity. Do come if you can, 
and oblige your many friends here, and especially yours, etc., 

In haste, Sumner Stebbins. 



Philadelphia, October 2, 1847. 
My Very Dear Sir — As your quondam pupil I have long 
contemplated a visit to you at Norristown, but the multiplied 
engagements of a very exacting profession have hitherto denied 
me that enjoyment. My oldest son, who is on a short visit to 
a cousin at your place, and who desires to look a little about 
him there, must for the present serve as my " locum tenens." 
He will call upon you, and you will have before you, in the 
size of the lad, a palpable evidence of the flight of time, since 
I took my first lessons in Greek and Latin under your kind 
care at Burlington. 

I remain, my Dear Sir, very truly yours, 

J. Pancoast. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Cincinnati, Ohio, March 20, 1850. 
Dear Brother — Your presence is earnestly solicited at the 
Christian Anti-Slavery Convention to be held in this city on 
the 17th of next month. We feel assured that it will greatly 
enhance the interest and usefulness of the convention to have 
you with us. We beg you will allow no ordinary difficulty 
to prevent your coming. Such a demand upon your time and 
attention does not often occur, and we feel the importance of 
the present critical time in the American Zion to press all the 
true friends of freedom and a pure religion to put forth a vig- 
orous effort to deliver the churches from the guilt of slavery. 
Should Providence imperatively forbid your attendance, please 



152 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

send us your views in writing, and make such suggestions as 
to the course the convention should take as your deliberate 
judgment may advise. 

Yours affectionately in Christ, 

E. Goodman, 
B. F. Aydelotte, 
S. H. Chase, 
Wm. Henry Brisbane. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Burlinglon, Third-month 20, 185 1. 

My Very Dear Friend — There are very few men on earth, 
who, in my affection, stand on equality with thee; yet how 
little we see, hear, or know of each other. The accidents of 
time do not bring us together. The revolutions of our planet 
do not jolt thee into Burlington, nor me to Norristown. Our 
engrossments of business and of sect are not in common, 
though I trust by no means incongruous in their aims, and so 
I fail to have the benefit which I assuredly ought to derive 
from the warm heart which, buttoned up beneath thy vest, 
pulsates mightily some sixty-five to ninety times per minute 
with love to mankind, including, among the millions, myself, 
and many better, and peradventure some worse. I have many 
times thought of going to Norristown for a renewal of ancient 
delights, but in scheming such a visit there have always been 
many things to be accomplished first, which had the impera- 
tive claim of duties, and so the months roll on. 

Thy removal from New Jersey was a sad affliction to me, 
and it was a loss to our state. It was just as an appreciation 
of thee had taken such a hold upon the leading minds of Jer- 
sey as would have give*h thee an increased influence for good. 
Thy speech on Education, in Trenton, had taken effect. How 
I needed thee in Trenton recently, when I had to address a 
meeting on the House of Refuge question. I was one of a 
committee for the purpose from the New Jersey Prison Reform 
Association. * * * * * 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 53 

In the ranks of philanthropy, no office is more import- 
ant to the community than that of a teacher. No one is fit 
for it who is not a philanthropist, who does not pursue its 
duties for something more than pecuniary gain; who does 
not feel to his very heart's core that he is training intellects 
for eternity. But the sum total of good accomplished, for 
which the teacher has a right to give God thanks, ascribing to 
Him all the glory, he may never know. " Each simple effort 
has its far vibration, working results that work results again.'* 
"Therefore," says a British scribbler of the present day, 

" Therefore, though few praise or help or heed us, 

Let us work with head, or heart, or hand, 
For we know the future ages need us ; 

We must help our time to take its stand, 
That the after day may make beginning, 

Where our present labor has its end," etc. 

In looking around to think of persons and matters that 
would specially interest thee, it seems as though a generation 
had elapsed since thy departure, so changed is ancient Burl- 
ington. One item is at least unaltered — the affection for thee 
of thy friend and quondam fellow-laborer, 

Wm. J. Allinson. 

To Samuel Aarox. 



Norristown, August 15, 1852. 
Dear Friend, Samuel Aaron — We have with us to-day 
our long- imprisoned but now released brother, Daniel Dray- 
ton. J gave him a special invitation to come up from the 

city and attend your meeting this afternoon. He is in poor 
health, and an object of charity. Cannot something be done 
for him to-day? Pray come this way half an hour before 
meeting and shake his hand. I am sure it won't check the 
flow of your inspiration thus to greet a victim from the 
American Bastile. 

Yours truly, 

Oliver Johnson. 



154 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

Boston, Nov. 16, 1853. 
Dear Sir — The Twentieth Anniversary of the formation 
of the American Anti-Slavery Society will be celebrated in 
Philadelphia, on the 3d and 4th of December next. As one 
of the speakers on that occasion, untrammeled in regard to 
thought or speech, you are respectfully invited by the Execu- 
tive Committee to its platform, earnestly desirous as you are 
for the speedy and eternal overthrow of chattel slavery in our 
land, which is the specific object of the society, by all rightful 
instrumentalities and divorced from all other questions. In 
case your personal attendance should be impracticable, a letter 
from you, to be read at the meeting, would serve the cause 
and excite interest. 

Yours for universal emancipation, 

Wm. Lloyd Garrison, 
Wendell Phillips,"] President of the Society. 

Edmond Quincy, V Secretaries. 
S. H. Gay, 



House of Representatives, March 2, 1854. 

Dear Friend — Mr. has this moment handed me 

your letter. I am so overwhelmed with my private and offi- 
cial duties that I cannot spare the time necessary to make the 
examinations you call for, nor to write a notice for Dr. Bail- 
ey's paper. * * * I well remember that Lieutenant 
Forbes' statements were contradicted. But I never heard that 
the British Government disgraced him, or were displeased 
with him. If you can find a file of the African Repository 
you can learn all you wish to learn respecting the claim of the 
Colored Society to the extirpation of the slave trade, the ex- 
tent of their territory, etc., etc. We are greatly excited by 
the Nebraska matter. What will be the result of this nefari- 
ous and bold attempt of slavery on liberty I can hardly con- 
jecture. 

Truly yours, 

Gerrit Smith. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 55 

Norristown, March 10, 1854. 
Mr. Aaron, Dear Sir — At a meeting of the colored popu- 
lation of Norristown, held February 2, 1854, it was unani- 
mously resolved to present you with a trifling "memento " 
for the handsome manner in which you defend the rights of 
the colored race and oppose the Rev. Mr. Peace on the sub- 
ject of African colonization. You will, therefore, confer a 
favor upon the committee by attending a meeting in the Bap- 
tist church on Monday evening, March 13th, at 7.30 o'clock. 
Per order of committee. 

John Williams, 
George Henry, 
I. G. Johnson, 
William Taylor, 
Daniel Ross, 
Henry Bratcher, 
James Wilson. 



Philadelphia, March 26, 1854. 
My Dear Brother — Yours of the 23d is before me. I 
entirely approve of your plan, and will do all in my power to 
carry out your noble purpose to fight and whip the devil. 
You are right when you say that infidelity is making sad 
havoc among our young men. Barker is a bold and cunning 
advocate of those doctrines of devils. I still believe you are 
the man to meet and defeat his vile attacks on God and the 
Bible. I think Concert Hall, on Chestnut street, between 
Twelfth and Thirteenth, is the most desirable place in the 
city. Whether it is best to commence the delivery of the 
lectures before the Fall or not is a question of some moment, 
and one that I cannot decide. The evenings are getting short, 
*and soon will be very warm ; and, moreover, in the warm 
weather vast numbers are away from the city. If you deter- 
mine upon one lecture per week, I would suggest Monday or 
Tuesday evenings as the most suitable. You may confidently 
rely on all the aid I can give you. 

John Chambers. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



156 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Mount Holly, August 16, 1854. 
Dear Sir — There being a number of the citizens of Mount 
Holly very desirous of hearing your views and sentiments 
promulgated upon the Nebraska Bill, as lately passed by the 
Senate and House of Representatives, the undersigned there- 
fore humbly solicit your kind attention to the subject, and 
ask the favor of your indulgence to deliver a public address 
to the inhabitants of the place and its vicinity, on the eve- 
ning of the inst, leaving the time to suit your own 

convenience. 

Benjamin Buckman, 
Joseph Carr, Jr., 
Peter V. Coppuck, 
Ewan Merritt, 
Isaac V. Risdon, 
B. Garwood, 
J. M. Browne. 
To Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Norristown, June 15, 1855. 
We, the undersigned, remember that Rev. Samuel Aaron, 
during the warm weather in '42, '43 and '44 — that is, from the 
height of the " Washingtonian excitement" to the presidential 
contest between Polk and Clay — lectured more frequently in 
Norristown than ever before or since, especially in the open 
air, generally standing on "Court-house Hill," and we believe 
never more than once, if even once, in any street of the town. 
We are confident that he was never hindered or intimidated 
by acts or threats. 

Jerome Walnut, 
George Wright. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 157 

Boston, March 21, 1856. 
Dear Sir — I am requested, by a unanimous vote of the 
Executive Committee of the American Anti-Slavery Society, 
to invite you to be one of the speakers at the Anniversary of 
the Society, in the city of New York, in May next, 6th. In 
extending this invitation, they wish you to exercise as much 
freedom of thought and speech as you would in addressing a 
meeting of your own in Norristown, and therefore to frame 
your own resolution and to select your own topic ad libitum. 
You will be expected to speak as an independent advocate of 
the slave, not as endorsing the views and measures of the 
Society itself. They hope that you will see your way clear 
to give an affirmative answer. Such, also, is the hope of your 
friend and fellow-laborer, 



Wm. Lloyd Garrison. 



Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Newtown, Bucks Co., August 11, 1856. 

My Very Respected Friend — It seems to me a long time 
since I saw you. I hear of you that you are yet faithful to 
the corrupt and selfishly wicked. Well, there is a great deal 
to do. The men and women that feel every fibre within to 
move from a sense of the many gross and unlicensed doings 
in the community, must act; they must shower their feelings 
upon their neighbors' hearts and minds. 

What are your prospects? We want you to visit us for 
a few days; partly socially; a good deal as a preacher in the 
every day sense. You promised us a visit, you may remem- 
ber. You may come with what view you please. We want 
talk to the parents upon the subject of education; education 
proper, and education considered in a social, moral and relig- 
ious respect. These seasons are refreshing. We want them 
to keep returning. The public want Treemount talk. The 
community needs temperance preaching. Can't you come 
among us about the beginning of September or near that 
time; the second week or last of August; though we want 



I5o REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

time plenty to give notice. We wish to have Dr. Grimshaw, 
of Wilmington, with us at the same time. He is very happy as 
a speaker upon the subject of education. A very intelligent 
gentleman. Can hit the divine institution pretty hard knocks. 
Write soon. Our regards to you all as ever. 

M. B. Linton. 
To Samuel Aaron. 



Philadelphia, December 27, 1856. 

Dear Sir — After the lapse of several years you have 
doubtless forgotten the whereabouts, perhaps the name, of 
your former student. The cares and anxieties, inseparable 
from your vocation, must necessarily eradicate from your 
recollection many of those who have received invaluable pre- 
cepts of truth and morality from your lips. But in the busy, 
careless world, they will remember the example that taught 
them to inscribe over the door of their intellectual sanctuary, 
integrity, honor and virtue; and that the true aim of learning 
is to illustrate the glory and goodness of the great Creator of 
all things. Though one of the humblest among those who 
then surrounded you, permit me to say the time spent with 
you has not been lost. I there entered upon a career which, 
in whatever way it may terminate, that time will occasion no 
unpleasant reflections. 

I am now about entering professional life under perhaps 
many disadvantages; yet humbly trusting in the honesty of 
my intentions and blessing of God to become at least a re- 
spectable member of that profession and an honorable man 
if not a brilliant advocate. Full of these hopes and anticipa- 
tions of success, I send you my best wishes and profound 
respect. 

Yours respectfully, 

John A. Burton. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 59 

Philadelphia, May 26, 1857. 

My Dear Preceptor — For such I do love yet to consider 
you — I have taken the liberty to send you in the accompany- 
ing card a notification of the fact that the mere preparatory 
studies, of which you laid the foundation more than nine 
years ago, are now in a measure concluded, and a wider field, 
a new- arena, and a severer struggle, are before me. While I 
mourn many neglected opportunities, I realize now the wis- 
dom of your teachings, and sincerely hope that their fullest 
fruition may be but a tithe of the faithful, earnest endeavor 
with which you did your duty by me. 

Desiring to be remembered with sincere affection to your 
most excellent wife and family, for whose many kindnesses I 
cherish the liveliest remembrance, and hoping for yourself 
many long years of usefulness, and that happy satisfaction by 
you more prized than high honor, permit me to be 

Yours ever truly, 

John Goforth. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Woodcock Township, Crawford Co., Pa., 
June 18, 1833. 

My Dear Brothers — I arrived safely at J E 's on 

Sunday morning last, and found them all well. They live, as 
you have heard, on the great road leading from Meadville to 
Erie, six miles from the former and thirty-two miles from the 
latter town. These towns contain about one thousand in- 
habitants each, and are places of some business; and no doubt 
when the canal is finished between them, forming a water 
communication between them and all the most important 
towns in the United States, their importance will be much in- 
creased. 

The turnpike is a good road now, though only an earthen 

one, and divides J 's place into two equal parts, running 

very nearly north and south. The soil here is better than I 
expected to find it; the surface of the ground quite uneven, 



l6o REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

more so than in N , though there are very few steep or 

high hills. The water is pretty good, and the country health- 
ful. They have found as yet no lime quarries, though they 
say that where the creeks cut deep through hills they find 
numbers of stones having great resemblance to limestone, and 
some say that they afford good lime. 

The face of the ground hereabouts is covered with a sort 
of shelly gravel like that along the Bristol road. The soil is 
not very sure for corn, wheat or rye, though wheat does bet- 
ter than either, and J has some that looks well. Buck- 
wheat succeeds very well; J had one hundred bushels on 

three acres, or somewhat less. The grass here is indeed ex- 
cellent; white clover is abundant, and that and timothy come 
up spontaneously whenever the land is cleared. The cattle 
have a remarkably fine healthy appearance, and the cows, of 
course, on such sweet pasture, give excellent milk. 

I am better pleased with the country here than I expected 
to be, but not so well as I still anticipate with the Ohio and 
Indiana land. The land of upper Canada, a good deal of 
which I have seen, is astonishingly fine for raising wheat, but 
they are so perfectly flat that I could never endure to live 
there. I passed over from Niagara Falls to view the grounds 
where the bloody battles of Bridgewater, Chippewa and Fort 
Erie were fought, and stayed all night on the battle-ground 
of Chippewa, where the gallant General Scott, at the point of 
the bayonet, led his men to victory against the veteran ranks 
of Scotch and English chivalry. But if I am spared to see 
you, we will talk of these and other matters. 

J and M seem pleased with the country, and 

determined to continue here, and earnestly advise that we 

should all come here. J has now about forty acres of 

his land tolerably well cleared. Most of the tracts about him 
are still covered in great part with dead girdled trees, which 

makes the country look very bad. J ploughs chiefly 

with oxen, though he keeps two horses. Money here is ex- 
ceedingly scarce; almost all dealing in an exchange of com- 
modities. The store on French Creek, two and one-quarter 
miles from J 's, takes anything in trade that farmers have. 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 6 I 

Apples and peaches, when the trees are properly looked after, 
are produced in abundance. 

I will write again from Columbus, according to promise, 
if I live to get there. That a gracious providence may pre- 
serve and bless you and yours, is the sincere wish and prayer 
of your brother, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Painesville, Ohio, June 30, 1833. 

My Dear E. — I stayed much longer at J E 's 

than I intended, in consequence of their over-persuasion, as 
they had never before seen any of their relatives there, and 
have little hopes of ever seeing any again. My stay there 
was about ten days. Having become weary of travelling by 
public conveyance, I purchased a good horse near Meadville, 
and am now travelling on horseback. So far, it has been 
rather fatiguing, yet much more agreeable than before, and 
less expensive. I can also stop and start where and when I 
please. When I last wrote I thought of being home sooner 
than is my present expectation. I shall hardly get back un- 
der six or seven weeks yet, as I wish to see more of Ohio, as 
well as Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, and shall probably 
never have another opportunity so suitable. My horse racks, 
and at this most easy gait will carry me near or quite forty 
miles a day. During the hottest days I shall not travel in the 
hottest part of the day, but lie by in the shade and travel 
morning and evening. 

I have met with scarcely any adventures since I wrote 
worth mentioning. Last night, however, my horse stumbled 
while I was crossing Grand river, and I narrowly escaped be- 
ing precipitated into the middle of it, for which I desire to feel 
truly thankful. 

Since I wrote, I have preached three times and delivered 
one lecture on temperance to respectable and tolerably nu- 
merous congregations. I have been to hear two sermons to- 
day from a Presbyterian in this place, and they were very 
good ones. The Presbyterians and Methodists have each a 
meeting-house here, and they only, though there are twelve 



I 62 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

hundred or more people in the place. Many of the Baptists 
hereabout have followed the heresy of Alexander Campbell, 
who teaches that immersion of the body saves the soul; and 
many, shame on them, have turned Mormonites, who profess 
to have received a new revelation, to work miracles, and speak 
divers tongues by inspiration; and who, in short, rather take 
the lead of all the fanatics of the day. 

The country along here is very sandy; at this place you 
might fancy yourself among the sand-banks of South Jersey. 
Fruits of various kinds abound here. Peaches arrive at great 
perfection. They are so plentiful that they are seldom sold. 

As nothing further of any importance occurs to my mind, 
I close with expressions of kindness towards my friends, and 
the assurance that I remain your affectionate husband, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Columbus, July u, 1833. 
My Dear Brother — According to promise, I am now 
about to write to you from this place. As I am in a hurry, I 
must proceed without much attention to order, and will men- 
tion the facts seeming to me most likely to gratify you. I 
have been blessed with good health, and an escape from all 
serious accidents, for which I desire to be grateful to Divine 
Providence. Mr. and Mrs. H are well, and seem exceed- 
ingly cheerful and contented. They have treated me like a 
brother, and deserve, and shall ever have, my sincere grati- 
tude. This is the third day of my being in Columbus, and I 

expect to leave them to-morrow. Mr. and Mrs. H would 

rejoice to see you and all their friends established in this 
country, but very prudently they use no persuasion. As to 
this place and country they have not been overrated. The 
town is growing amazingly; at least two-hundred houses are 

now going up. Money is more plentiful than in D . 

The morals and order of the town are good, and the place as 
healthy as common in any part of our land. The town lies 
one hundred feet or more above the Scioto river, on a site as 
well adapted to building as can be conceived. The soil round 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 63 

about upon this higher level is excellent, but that down upon 
the river bottoms, from three to ten miles wide, is of such 
strength as far to surpass any that you ever saw, being in 
many places a black mould for several feet in depth, and re- 
sembling a mixture of ashes and moulded manure. This 
is too strong for wheat; but sixty-five acres of corn that I saw 
in one tract will no doubt bring about one hundred bushels 
to the acre. The whole region reposes upon a bed of lime- 
stone; and the very pebbles in the street are all, when burned, 
they tell me, pure lime; and there is no doubt of it. 

Wild land of the best quality, from three to ten miles from 
the town, may be had for five to ten dollars an acre; improved, 
from ten to twenty-five dollars. The upland produces from 
fifteen to twenty-five bushels of wheat per acre; and they just 
sow it among their Indian corn without using the plow at all, 
and then harrow it over. Better farming, you can tell better 
than I can, would make a great difference.^ 

There is a cash market, and a very ready one for every- 
thing a farmer has to sell. Indeed, no market can be more 
brisk. Wheat brings from 62% to 75 cents; wheat flour $2 
per cwt. ; corn 25; oats 25; cornmeal not sifted, 31 to 37*^; 
butter 8 to 18; eggs 6^; hams 5 to 8 (hogs are kept on 
clover during the summer, and some keep $5,000 or $6,000 
worth of them and sell them to the pork merchants for cash, 
who buy them alive and save you the trouble of slaughtering 
them); beeves 4^ cents; hides 4^; potatoes 25 to 50; wood 
$1.25 to $2.00; cows $10 to $20; horses in same proportion; 
teaming with two horses $2 per day. This is unquestionably 
the place this very day for a man who has a little money to 
double it very soon. You can loan it at from ten to twelve per 
cent. Had I my lot sold, I should no doubt buy here before 
I came home. 

I must close. I shall probably go no further, as the 
weather is getting very warm, and for other reasons I wish to 
be at home before long. There seems to be a fine opportunity 
for a school here, but I am engaged to Mr. Gummere. I 
bought a horse near Meadville, and intend to bring him home 
with me. Tell my friends I am well, and in particular let my 
dear little children know that I hope to be at home soon to 



164 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

see them. May a gracious God bless you and yours in this 
life and in the life to come. 

Your affectionate brother, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Woodcock Township, Sept. 16, 1836. 
My Dear E. — I arrived here yesterday morning at nine 
o'clock, so tired that I have not yet got rested, feeling so sore 
and miserable that I have been almost afraid of getting sick. 
This was the effect of losing a great deal of sleep, and travel- 
ling day and night in the stage over some of the roughest 
roads in the world. Saturday night overtook me at Holli- 
daysburg, a town at the head of the canal and foot of the 
Alleghany Mountains, where a railroad two miles long carries 
us over the mountains. Here I spent the Sabbath, and found 
to my surprise a Baptist protracted meeting going on, at which 
I spoke three times, preaching one regular sermon with more 
liberty than common for me. Monday, before daylight, took 
the railroad, ascending in ten miles more than thirteen hun- 
dred feet, perpendicular, by means of five inclined planes, 
drawn up by a huge rope moved by a steam engine at the 
top. Took the canal again at Johnstown, having descended 
the mountain to the west by similar planes. On Monday 
night, in consequence of the heat, left my berth and passed 
the night on deck without a wink of sleep. Arrived at Pitts- 
burg Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock; rose at three o'clock 
next morning and took the stage and went on one hundred 
and three miles, day and night, to where I now am. I do not 
believe I shall be able to start home before Monday; and at 
what time you may expect to see me I cannot tell, but I hope 

before the end of next week. I find M 's affairs by no 

means uncomfortable; fifty acres of the best grass land you 
ever saw, a good house, and a new barn. The girls can spin 
and weave, and they have wool and flax. I remember with 
the utmost tenderness my dear children, and please tell them 
so. I desire to be remembered with respect and affection to 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 65 

our dear father, and indeed to all the family, as well as to 
friends and inquirers. When I see you I will tell you all, and 
now remain your affectionate husband, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 25, 185 1. 
Dear E. — We arrived here last evening at six o'clock, 
after a rough but safe passage on Lake Erie of one hundred 
and sixty miles from Dunkirk. On the railroad between New 
York and Dunkirk, we were detained some four hours by 
something wrong in the locomotive, or other causes, and so 
lost perhaps twelve hours in starting on the lake. This was 
well, as the passage might have been unsafe. We left New 
York at six p. m., Monday, and rode all night in the car, and 
next day till about five p. m., nearly five hundred miles. I 
took some cold, but feel quite well this morning, and am in a 
hurry to get to meeting. Dr. Brisbane, C. M. Clay, Mr. Gid- 
dings, Mr. Chase, and many talented men are present. The 
convention will probably close to-day, and I shall write you 

again. I shall write soon to Mr. S some account of the 

convention for his paper. Give my love to the family. Tell 
the children they would have been glad to have been at home 
if they had got on the lake and heard the winds howling and 
seen the waves rolling and felt the boat pitching and rocking 
and staggering to and fro like a drunken man. 

Yours truly as ever, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Norristown, Pa., August 15, 1857. 
My Dear Friend — I understand that it is your settled de- 
termination to publish a book on the science and art of elocu- 
tion, and am heartily glad to learn that such is your purpose. 
You should have done it long ago; not but that you are bet- 
ter able now, but because intelligent teachers and docile pu- 



1 66 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

pils have needed the work; and bad reading and speaking 
have been learned and taught by thousands who wished to do 
right but knew not how. Many years ago you taught me, 
more earnestly than any other preceptor, to study and en- 
deavor to express the meaning of what I read; and seven 
years afterwards we both listened with profit and delight to 
Dr. Jonathan Barber, who insisted on adorning the sense by 
harmony of tones and variety of modulation, by pitch, slide, 
vanish and cadence. We then studied together Dr. James 
Rush's "Human Voice" with a zeal and application not un- 
worthy of success; and I think we understood that original 
and profound work; we certainly drew from it more well de- 
fined ideas of the uses and powers of the human voice than 
from all other sources; and have always rejoiced, like grate- 
ful disciples, that Dr. Rush, like other great discoverers, is 
worthy of present reward and sure of posthumous fame. I 
recur with fond remembrance to our evening study of the 
principles of Rush, and our daily practice in the open air in 
training the lungs to give volume of sound and explosive 
force, and drilling the other vocal organs in distinctness and 
elegance of articulation. We used to recite to each other at 
four hundred yards distance, and sometimes more, in the 
open fields, and were distinctly heard without great apparent 
effort on your part, and with such success on mine, that I have 
often since addressed thousands of people at once, and been 
better heard than many others. With all this mutual study 
and practice it is surely natural for me to attribute some im- 
portance to our efforts and some merit to our acquirements; 
and it has happened to you more than to myself to continue 
thinking carefully and pleasantly upon this matter for more 
than thirty years. * * * * You have my best wishes 
for your success, and I hope soon to receive a copy of your 
proposed work. 

Your sincere friend, 

Samuel Aaron. 
Mr. Samuel R. Gum mere. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 6j 

Mount Holly, N. J. Nov. u, 1862. 
My Dear Friend — Your letter was received on the 3d 
inst. Its opening gladdened the hearts of us all. * * * 
I must notice your four points on state affairs. 

1. The thorough abolition of slavery is right, but will 
never be felicitous (God's existence, and moral and personal 
character being granted) till the nation, as such, confesses and 
deplores the wrong done to the enslaved. A nation, to be 
truly happy, must give moral reasons for its acts and laws; 
and ours has erred in making no recognition of a Supreme 
Being in its organic law. 

2. Your thoughts on a national system of common 
schools are excellent. I add, that attendance on the part of 
sane and healthy children between certain ages should be 
compulsory, even to the extent of taking the children from 
worthless or brutal parents. Further; the moral training 
should be pure and most decided, based without any sectarian 
bias, en the moral teachings of Jesus Christ. And then, with- 
out the least tyrannic spirit, the strictest obedience to orders 
and subordination to authority should be enforced. I am 
fully persuaded that the reckless impudence and unrestrained- 
ness of our American youth threaten the nation with as dread 
a ruin as the struggle now on hand. 

3. Your views on " citizenship" are not quite clear to 
my mind. I agree that the National Legislature would be the 
best depository of the vote privilege (for this is acknowledged 
to be a privilege rather than a right), and there would be lit- 
tle or no danger of wronging any one but those of African de- 
scent. The open discussion of the suffrage question would 
probably lead towards justice in regard to black as well as 
white men, but the " Dred Scott decision," so called, ought not 
to be quoted, or in any way referred to, so as to act as a ham- 
per on legislative action. You know it was an "obiter dic- 
tum," an "out-of-the-way opinion," foisted in by a judicial ty- 
rant, when a totally different question, and that only, was be- 
fore him. 

4. Your ideas on national consolidation are reasonable, 
and likely to become practical, and your proposed mode of 



1 68 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

organizing legislatures and guaranteeing the rights of persons 
and property, is certainly plausible, in my opinion, good, and 
very original. 

On the subject of choosing representatives, etc., I will 
suggest a thought for your consideration. Suppose that one 
member of Congress be apportioned to every 20,000 voters, 
and that 11,000 or more be required to elect each member; 
and that on that basis your state would get five members. 
Let there be no districts, but let every voter in the state vote 
for whom he pleased, the candidate being an American citizen. 
Then suppose the "Republican" and "Democratic" parties 
both corrupt, and that you and 10,999 other men in the state 
wish purity and reform in the nation, you could, through a 
small minority of the 100,000 voters, be represented in Con- 
gress, and heard by the whole nation. According to our pre- 
sent system, often the best men are not represented for many 
years, and sometimes not at all. A party commencing with 
good and pure purposes is tempted to go into collusion with 
another corrupt minority in order to defeat a still more cor- 
rupt plurality. I think this principle is right and wise because 
it provides, at least in a state having many people, for a re- 
spectful hearing of a small minority, and tends to promote the 
progress of reformatory measures. 

You will have learned before you get this that " Demo- 
cracy" has again a potent voice in our Easterm elections. 
Still they would have been utterly defeated in every state but 
New Jersey had the volunteers now in service been permitted 
to vote." The removal of McClellan gives nearly universal 
satisfaction. A very few more months of his "strategy" 
would have crowned the rebels with triumph. 

You drop a hint which seems to disparage Freemont. 
Do you so mean? He has constantly risen in my estimation 
since the war began. He suggested in Paris in March, 1861, 
the immediate purchase in Europe of 500,000 small arms and 
a proportionate quantity of other munitions of war, and send- 
ing a corresponding force to use them, and the freeing of 
every rebel's slave; his subsequent acts have all gone to match 
that earnest policy; Stonewall Jackson pronounced him his 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 69 

most formidable competitor; and the administration at last, 
perhaps too late, is adopting his policy. 

The school is well patronized this year. I can talk as 
loud as ever, but am more brief. I hope you will write me 
when you can and I will generally reply. Nothing but a sense 
of duty is sufficient to confine me to the drudgery of letter- 
writing, so little relish have I for copying my thoughts; yet 
one has but little claim to the favor of receiving letters who is 
too indolent or too negligent to write to his friends. "Trust 
in the Lord and do good." 

Yours truly, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Burlington, N. J., 1837. 

Whereas, This Association are in the habit of religious 
correspondence with several Baptist Associations in the slave- 
holding states; and 

Whereas, Our Baptist brethren of the South generally 
do defend and sanction the institution of American slavery as 
consistent with sound morals and pure Christianity; therefore, 

Resolved, That it is the duty of this body to make known 
to these our correspondents our solemn conviction that Am- 
erican slavery is sinful in the sight of God, directly contrary 
to the whole spirit of Christianity, and inevitably productive 
of the worst evils, social, intellectual and spiritual. 

Resolved further, That we do hereby admonish and en- 
treat our Baptist brethren of the South and elsewhere to 
search the Scriptures, and examine all other legitimate evi- 
dence in reference to slavery, and if led to adopt our opinion, 
as above expressed, we conjure them to testify against it as 
we have done. 



17O REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Address of the Anti-Slavery Society of Burlington, 
N. J., to the Community. 

Felloiv-Citizens — We ask your candid and serious atten- 
tion to a brief statement of our views in reference to slavery, 
because we believe the subject to be of the highest importance; 
because we feel impelled by a sense of duty which we dare 
not neglect, to labor for the conviction of other minds besides 
our own; and especially because our principles are, to a great 
extent, unexamined, misrepresented, or misunderstood. 

Anti-slavery principles. 

I. In our general principles we expect to agree with you 
all. That when a man is guilty of no crime against his fel- 
lows, it is the prerogative of God alone to take away his life, 
to impose stupidity and ignorance upon his mind, to inflict 
disease or wounds upon his body, to prevent or sever the tie 
of marriage, to deprive him of his offspring, to take from him 
for private use the earnings of his labor, or the acquisition of 
his skill. It is self-evident that these principles do not enforce 
the amalgamation of different races or nations of men, that 
they do not interfere with the peculiar tastes of individuals or 
with the gradations of society. They only prohibit encroach- 
ment on that free agency of man which the Creator has be- 
stowed. They are the simple elements of justice. The ex- 
ceptions to some of these principles have been prescribed by 
the divine law in reference to children; and special license was 
given to the Jews to enslave certain nations doomed to pun- 
ishment. But these exceptions only confirm the general rule 
in the most striking manner, because they are defined and en- 
forced with so great a particularity. And those who main- 
tain slavery on the authority of the law of Moses, should also 
claim the right to enslave white men, and to extirpate by the 
sword, as the Jews were bidden to do, the surrounding heathen 
tribes. To be as explicit as possible, we believe that the only 
right rule for human intercourse is, "Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself"; in other words, "Do unto all men as ye 
would that they should do unto you." On this precept our 
Anti-slavery sentiments are founded; by this we intend that 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 7 I 

our action shall be limited and restrained; in defence of this, 
if called to suffer, we hope to be strengthened by its author; 
and from attempting to propagate this truth we feel that 
neither public opinion nor human laws have authority to 
hinder us. 

The evils of slavery. 

2. The essential evils of slavery, we believe, consist in 
the violation of the principles above stated; man thus assum- 
ing over his fellow man a power which is the sole prerogative 
of God. The code of slavery substitutes the will of the mas- 
ter for the divine will; and this absurd and sinful beginning, 
as a cause, produces effects so many and so evil that they can 
neither be numbered nor described. It must suffice to say 
that innocent human beings are bought and sold like brutes; 
that they are tasked, chained, lacerated and maimed as brutes 
seldom are; that their lives are taken with impunity when the 
furious passions of their drivers demand the sacrifice; that the 
marriage relation, ordained by Jehovah, is ridiculed and de- 
stroyed; that their minds are kept as dark as possible, on pain 
of death to him who would enlighten them; and what is, per- 
haps, worst of all, multitudes of children are reared and held 
as property, or sold to enrich their own fathers. 

The remedies for slavery. 

3. Several remedies for the evils of slavery are proposed. 
The one that is most common and most popular in these parts 
is to let it alone to work its own cure, assuming that we, of 
New Jersey, have nothing to do with slavery, and that it is 
improper, if not criminal, to discuss the subject. But our 
highest judicial authorities have recently declared from the 
bench that we are a slaveholding people, and bound by the 
law to uphold slavery in our own state, for a time at least, 
and especially in other states, even by the sacrifice of our 
lives. Recurring then to our first principles, we feel unable 
to rest tamely under such obligations as these, believing it to 
be the right and duty of a free people to ask for the repeal or 
alteration of unjust and oppressive laws; besides that, we be- 
lieve on such a scheme a crisis of slaughter and devastation 



172 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

would soon arrive, at which humanity shudders. Some would 
mitigate slavery, preserving the relation of master and slave, 
but making it consist of lordly and noble beneficence on the 
one part, and humble, dependent gratitude on the other. We 
appeal to our first principles which recognize God only as the 
bestower of man's inherent rights, and alone entitled to grati- 
tude for their enjoyment. Besides, we refer to •■all records, 
divine and human, to prove that a "corrupt tree cannot bring 
forth good. fruit"; that a system founded in error cannot pro- 
mote truth or happiness. 

The complete amalgamation of the white and colored 
races is another remedy that was proposed with apparent 
gravity by an eminent Southern statesman some years ago. 
This process is carried on extensively in the South, with the 
purpose, however, not to diminish but to increase the number 
of slaves; and in the North the most violent and practical 
haters of the abolitionists encourage at the polls and practice 
individually to some extent a lawless amalgamation, while 
they inflict all the horrors of the code-lynch on those whom 
they pretend to think guilty of promoting a lawful intercourse 
between black and white. Amalgamation, lawful or unlawful, 
abolitionists wholly disapprove. When lawful and probably 
innocent, they think it incompatible with a correct taste; 
practised, as it commonly is, they deem it an enormous sin; 
in either way, therefore, a doubtful and dangerous expedient 
for the removal of slavery. 

The colonization of the blacks on a foreign shore is much 
advised by the highest names, and much illustrated and em- 
blazoned by flaming eloquence and zeal throughout the Union; 
yet the object has been in twenty years most sparingly effected. 
The most remarkable events connected with the colony abroad 
have been the wars between it and the neighboring tribes, the 
forcible acquisition of their lands, and waste of human life by 
endemic diseases; and at home, the passage by several states 
of laws, virtually forcing the free blacks from their native 
land, and the excitement of a public feeling decidedly opposed 
to their remaining in this country on any terms but that of 
slavery. Meanwhile, the colonists number about three thou- 
sand; and they for the most part are in abject poverty; while 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 73 

the increase of blacks in the United States during the same 
period has been much above half a million. We can, there- 
fore, see nothing in this scheme, however well meant, that 
promises, under present circumstances, the freedom or the 
happiness of the whole colored race. 

Finally, we have full confidence in the remedy as applied 
recently in the British West Indies. Immediate and universal 
emancipation. We ask our General Government to emanci- 
pate first, as far as in their power, and to prohibit the slave 
trade among the states. We ask the respective slave states 
to pass acts of universal emancipation, accompanied with 
ample and wise provisions for the improvement of the minds 
and morals of the colored race, and for the suppression of in- 
dolence and vagrancy. Let those now toiling under the in- 
fluence of the whip be remunerated with suitable wages, and 
reason and experience both demonstrate the mutual and happy 
advantage of the change. 

In conclusion, we express the earnest hope that you, to 
whom we are privileged to appeal, will not strive to cramp 
the "Genius of Universal Emancipation." Do you doubt the 
expediency of freeing the enslaved? Examine the evidence 
in the case of the West Indies and doubt no more. The book 
of Thome and Kimball has satisfied Dr. Channing, Governor 
Everett, and many others. Behold, nearly five hundred thou- 
sand of the colored race, perhaps ten-fold the number of their 
masters, emancipated with entire safety in a single day, by 
those very masters, who, a short time before, predicted havoc 
and utter ruin as the consequence. With such an example 
before us and so near us, emancipation in this country almost 
ceases to deserve the name of a great and hazardous experi- 
ment. In the speedy, the quiet and perfectly successful 
emancipation of the British West Indies, who does not per- 
ceive the interposition of Divine Providence in favor of anti- 
slavery principles. We hope, therefore, that you will not, by 
your silence or faint condemnation, virtually sustain and en- 
courage (as most of our newspapers have done) that spirit that 
destroyed Pennsylvania Hall and murdered Lovejoy. That 
spirit would suppress all discussion of the rights and wrongs 
of the slave and extirpate his friends by the brand of the mob 



174 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

or the assassin's weapon. We firmly believe there are many- 
thousands of intelligent and conscientious persons in this 
country who feel it to be their duty to God to publish and 
peaceably to oppose the enormous sin and the horrid results 
of slavery. Under this impression they must, of course, sur- 
render life itself rather than cease to do their duty. Shall 
such persons be sacrificed ? Will you give them up as vic- 
tims to a brutal mob? Or shall they be heard and answered 
with better reasons than their own? We, in this city, actuated 
by a peaceable spirit, have asked for several years no public 
building wherein to make known our righteous principles; 
we have not, indeed, found here a willing toleration to stand 
on the bare earth beneath the covering of the free heavens to 
argue the sin of making merchandise of the image of God. 
But though the church and the public press and the free air 
have been consecrated against us, we still have the use of 
paper, ink and types to ask your attention and invoke your 
honest and rational judgment. 

By order of the Society. 

Samuel Aaron, Preside?! t. 
John Parish, Secretary. 



August 22, 1838. 
The Preamble and Principal Articles of the Constitution of the 
Burlington Anti-Slavery Society. 

preamble. 

We, the subscribers, conscientiously believe that every 
rational human being comprises within himself a complete 
system (separate and distinct from every other) of powers and 
faculties, such as bodily strength, appetites, passions, under- 
standing, will, and conscience, for the lawful use and exercise 
of which he is alone accountable to the Supreme Being; that 
man has no right, himself, to destroy, abuse, or surrender 
these his own powers and faculties; much less can they be 
destroyed, injured, trafneed in, or controlled by another; 
that any interference with this divine arrangement is, by the 
proof of all history, inevitably productive of confusion, crime 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 75 

and misery, degrading alike the injurer and the injured, be- 
getting in the heart of the oppressor a stupid, impotent and 
cruel selfishness, and, in that of the oppressed, a spirit of blind 
and insatiable revenge, fit elements for the self-destruction of 
nations, and for the banishment of knowledge, peace and love 
from the minds and hearts of men. Being, therefore, desirous 
to promote, in some humble measure, the correct comprehen- 
sion and universal prevalence of human rights (which we 
firmly believe we have a perfect right to do), we form our- 
selves into a society for that purpose, and adopt for our regu- 
lation the following: 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article i. This Society shall be called the Anti-Slavery 
Society of the City and County of Burlington and Vicinity, 
and shall be auxiliary to the American Anti-Slavery Society. 

Article 2. The object of this Society shall be the use 
of all peaceable and moral means to exhibit to public view the 
enormous evils of that system of slavery which disturbs, af- 
flicts and threatens with destruction this great republic, and 
especially to persuade those who hold slaves of their sin in so 
doing, and of their duty immediately to emancipate them, 
and practice towards them that divine precept which requires 
us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Society shall 
also aim to remove public prejudice, and improve the char- 
acter and condition of the free people of color by encouraging 
their intellectual and moral elevation, that thus they may be- 
come qualified to share an equality with us in civil and relig- 
ious privileges. 



Norristown, Pa., 1844. 

Whereas, The Churches of the South do, to a great ex- 
tent, sanction and sustain the system of American Slavery, 
appealing to the Bible for its justification; and 

Whereas, the great body of the Churches at the North 
do regard it as a great moral evil, and very many churches 
and associations have declared it to be such a sin against God 



1/6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

and man as to render any individual involved in it unworthy 
of a place at the table of the Lord; 

Resolved, That with views and practices so at variance 
and antagonistical the one to the other, it is in vain to hope 
for pleasure or utility from a continued effort to coalesce in 
this matter; but on the other hand, that pain to many hearts, 
and the crippling of the energies of all concerned, must be the 
result; therefore 

Resolved, That such a division of the convention as will 
leave both of the above parties free to work in the cause on 
their own ground and by their own chosen instrumentalities, 
unimpeded by conflicting views and feelings, is indispensable 
to the success of the cause of missions. 



Norristown, Pa., June 15, 185 1. 
Dear Sir — I have received your very courteous and 
friendly letter of the 10th instant and thoughtfully noted its 
contents. I will unite with all my heart in the project to pro- 
cure from the surrounding clergy an expression of their senti- 
ments in reference to slavery. Could they, or any part of 
them, be prevailed upon to condemn it, even in the mildest 
terms, it would go, perhaps, as far as any one measure to set 
the people right. And if the Christian ministry of the whole 
country would set their seal of reprobation on this hateful in- 
stitution, I doubt not it would soon be swept from the land. 
Call then the pastors of this town together and let them unite 
in an earnest invitation to the neighboring brethren to assem- 
ble, consult and resolve. Nothing but good can come of it, 
do what they may. I will meet them and advise, if thought 
best, but will not even seem to lead in the measures for many 
reasons, one only of which is this: 'I am fully committed, 
pledged and resolved, with God's help, to co-operate with all 
abolitionists of every shade of opinion in battling against 
slavery; and that necessarily creates a prejudice greater or 
less against me in the minds of clergymen who attach more 
importance than I do to the ministerial profession. I entreat 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 77 

you to push forward this project without delay and with the 
utmost energy. 

I learn from sources apparently credible, that in your 
sermon of the 8th instant you made some very disparaging- 
allusions to George Thompson and to his friends here, espe- 
cially those who were most zealous to get him here. I feel, 
with others, displeased and aggrieved for the sake of the cause 
that the force of your eloquence and the weight of your char- 
acter should be suffered to be thus appropriated by the ene- 
mies of human rights. If you would permit me to peruse 
and copy the notes of the sermon, I would regard it as an act 
of magnanimity — which a man of your character can well af- 
ford to do — as well as of justice, which, I have reason to be- 
lieve, you are always disposed to do. If the remarks were as 
represented to me, I wish to reply publicly in defense of Mr. 
T and his friends. 

Very sincerely your friend and brother, 

Samuel Aaron. 
Rev. John M'Cron. 



Norristown, March 13, 1844. 
Reverend and Dear Sir — If feeling reverence for, or rever- 
ing goodness, be one of the definitions of the term Reverend, 
I shall make no apology to Mr. Aaron for addressing him by 
a title which, in a merely clerical sense, I believe he disap- 
proves. And for addressing him at all, I have no apology to 
offer other than that I am irresistibly impelled by feelings of 
earnest gratitude to thank him most sincerely and warmly for 
his many and excellent teachings since his arrival among us, 
and to acknowledge the, I hope, lasting benefit I have derived 
therefrom. The deep regret that Mr. Aaron's contemplated 
retirement has caused, I cannot so readily express, for I can- 
not dwell upon it with anything like composure. If I did not 
know that he was actuated by the most conscientious motives, 
and had decided, after prayerful and solemn deliberation, I 
should, judging from my own feelings, beg him to pause ere 
he resigned a situation of deep usefulness, and where he ex- 



I jS REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

ercised great influence upon many persons, of whom, perhaps, 
he never thought and personally never knew. I am, myself, 
one of that class of persons. Where now shall they look for 
instruction? Where find the impress of sincerity, without 
which words fall all powerless upon the heart? God forbid 
that I should judge any rashly, but when I see men shrink 
from known duty by refraining, from motives of policy, from 
denouncing fearlessly and constantly what they know and 
have acknowledged to be most heinous sins, I think they 
must have something radically wrong in their hearts; must 
from the very nature of the case be insincere, and cannot, as 
a consequence, be respected as conscientious and Christian 
men, much less have any influence as public teachers, at least 
upon the hearts of those who are free from sectarian prejudices, 
and I confess myself one of that class. 

And now I would fain give expression to the esteem with 
which I have long regarded Mr. Aaron's character, were it not 
that I might be liable to the imputation of flattery. But no! 
I shall be exonerated from such a charge when I state simply 
that what I have said, or may say, is in all sincerity. It is said 
that a knowledge of one's own heart is the only true key by 
which we can attain to a knowledge of the hearts of others. 

If true, I abide by Mr. A 's decision, as the love of truth 

is one of his most striking characteristics. I have for years, 
sir, watched your career with trembling anxiety, fearing that 
you might be induced to swerve from the path of stern duty, 
from the fear of man, fear of not being "popular," etc. But I 
forgot, at those moments, that a faithful servant of his master 
trusted not in his own strength; and he will support those 
who are faithful and fearless; he has supported. The very 
persons who are loudest in the cry of "denunciation," "want 
of charity," "goes too far," are those who envy the courage 
they dare not imitate; who reverence in their hearts and feel 
"how awful goodness is." I feel happy Mr. Aaron has not, 
and I hope will not, notice the slanderous imputations the 
newspapers have put forth. Methinks, could the pretended 
friends of temperance "be touched with Ithuriel's spear," we 
would see exhibited the personification of envy, hatred and 
malice. It must and will recoil upon themselves. 



CORRESPONDENCE. I jg 

Ah! how beautiful a thing is faith, firm, unwavering faith 
in the goodness of at least some of our species; how it repays 
the possessor a hundred fold. What pity the jewel is so 
rare. Surely angels rqust weep that sin will not allow us to 
retain the bright thing. Sometimes we can do so; would it 
were oftener. When I have heard Mr. Aaron's motives im- 
pugned, his talents deprecated, and even his piety doubted, 
I have been happy enough never to have had my confidence 
shaken in him for a moment. I have defended him warmly 
and fearlessly where I thought there was a possibility of his 
character being appreciated, but have sometimes found the 
mist of prejudice so thick that the task was a herculean one. 
But I have been rewarded in the extorted acknowledgment 
that perhaps these things were so. I will now relate a case 
of misrepresentation. 

Upon a recent occasion you commented from the pulpit, 
and that in terms scarcely severe enough, upon the degener- 
ate and vitiated taste of the age with regard to literature. You 
referred to our own library as a specimen, it being almost filled 
with light works. Upon the afternoon of that Sabbath the fol- 
lowing colloquy took place on the street, the principal speaker 
being a man who in matters apart from prejudice is clear-headed 

enough. "Well, B , were you to hear Mr. Aaron this 

morning?" "Yes, I was; and, as usual, he was abusing every- 
body. Why, even poor , the librarian, could not escape, 

and I was so disgusted by hearing him abused that I left the 
church immediately." That, sir, I consider a pretty fair spe- 
cimen of the misrepresentations you have been subjected to 
for the last eighteen months. But the greatest philanthropist 
that was ever upon the earth, he who went about continually 
doing good, who lived for others alone — aye, and who died for 
them also — was hated and despised for his goodness, and had 
false testimony borne against him. How much more, then, 
should imperfect man bear with meekness the rebuffs and oppo- 
sition truth ever meets with at the hands of sinful men! Mr. 
Aaron loves too well his fellow-man to be deterred from labor- 
ing for their good, even if met, as he has been, with the basest 
ingratitude. Though human nature is so generally perverse, 
there are many who love and honor him for his efforts to 



l8o REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

ameliorate the condition of those around him, and pray often 
and fervently that he may be strengthened to plead the cause 
of suffering humanity with increased success. Often and elo- 
quently has he already done so, — may he never falter in the 
God-like task. Great is the strength of an individual soul true 
to its high trust. 

I will relate an anecdote that I somewhere read, which I 
think apropos. "A German whose sense of sound was ex- 
ceedingly acute, was passing by a church a clay or two after 
he had landed in this country, and the sound of music attracted 
him to enter, though unacquainted with our language. The 
music proved to be a piece of psalmody sung in most discord- 
ant fashion, and the sensitive foreigner would fain have covered 
his ears. As this was scarcely civil, and might appear like 
rudeness, his next resolve was to rush into the open air and 
leave the hated sounds behind him. But this, too, he feared 
to do lest offence might be given, and so he resolved to en- 
dure the torture with the best patience he could assume, when 
lo! he distinguished amid the din the soft, clear voice of a wo- 
man singing in perfect tune. She made no effort to drown the 
voices of her companions, neither was she disturbed by their 
noisy discord; but patiently and sweetly she sang in full, rich 
tones. One after another yielded to the gentle influence, and 
before the tune was finished all were in perfect harmony. I 
have often thought of this story," adds the writer, "as convey- 
ing an instructive lesson for reformers. The spirit that can 
thus sing patiently and sweetly in a world of discord must in- 
deed be of the strongest as well as the gentlest kind. One 
scarce can hear his own soft voice amid the braying of the mul- 
titude, and ever and anon comes the temptation to sing louder 
than they and drown the voices that cannot thus be forced 
into perfect tune. But this were a pitiful experiment; the me- 
lodious tones cracked into shrillness would only increase the 
tumult. Stronger, and more frequently, comes the temptation 
to stop singing and let discord do its own wild work. But 
blessed are they that endure to the end, singing patiently and 
sweetly, till all join in with loving acquiescence, and universal 
harmony prevails, without forcing into submission the free dis- 
cord of a single voice. This is the hardest and the heaviest 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 8 I 

task which a true soul has to perform amid the clashing ele- 
ments of time. But once done perfectly unto the end, and 
that voice, so clear in its meekness, is heard above all the din 
of a tumultuous world ; one after another chimes in with its pa- 
tient sweetness, and through infinite discords the listening soul 
can perceive that the great tune is slowly coming into har- 
mony." 

And now I cannot close this letter without again thank- 
ing Mr. Aaron for the kind instruction so often and faithfully 
given. Often has my heart burned within me when listening 
to his glowing and fervent pictures of the goodness and love 
of God towards his fallen creatures; his persuasive invitations 
to seek a Saviour; and his many incentives to lure his hearers 
to lead a life of purity and virtue. And I have observed, too, 
and appreciated his efforts to adapt his language to the com- 
prehension of the more illiterate portion of his congregation, 
when naturally it would have been more lofty. Such self- 
denial could not have been practiced by some public speak- 
ers, I was going to add, if immortal souls were the price of the 
indulgence. * * * And now, sir, I think it quite time to 
close this long epistle. Methinks I see a smile upon your 
countenance at the Quixotic idea of writing to one not person- 
ally known, the more especially as you will see no name given. 
But I confess I have not the courage to give it, though I 
should like much so to do. I beg you will not regard it as 
anonymous communications deservedly are regarded. You 
know there are exceptions to all general rules. May I hope 
this will prove one? 

And, in conclusion, I pray that the God of all goodness 
may watch over you and strengthen and support you in the 
hour of duty. May he prove to you a shield through life and 
a sure refuge in the hour of death. May he soften your trials, 
and bless you in all your relations of husband, father, and 
teacher. And O, may he receive you and yours to his eternal 
rest. Amen. 



152 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



[Extracts from Letters.] 



Jenkintown, Pa., July 12, 1886. 
During the first of Mr. Aaron's time as teacher at Nor- 
ristown — probably for a few years — he taught in the old Acad- 
emy, before building his own residence and school-room, which 
he named Treemount Seminary. While teaching in the Acad- 
emy he received the attack and abuse — a fearful whipping with 
a raw-hide — of which I am about to speak. He had numer- 
ous calls to deliver temperance lectures. He addressed a 
meeting at Spring Mill, some four miles below Norristown, 
at which time he exposed some of the evils and crimes result- 
ing from the liquor business at the Spring Mill hotel, kept by 
the McClenaghan brothers. The two brothers came to Nor- 
ristown some days after with the purposeof taking revenge on 
Mr. Aaron. William Frick (now Dr. Frick, of Philadelphia) 
and I were the last students leaving the Academy. As we 
went down the street we met the two men, who inquired if 
Mr. Aaron was in the Academy. We answered yes, and went 
on ; but we were soon attracted by the noise of the attack, 
heard the strokes of the lashes, and returned to the school- 
room just in time to see the conclusion of the outrage. Mr. 
Aaron bore it so complacently that the fiend who used the 
raw-hide did not seem to have satisfaction, as he flourished 
his weapon in a threatening manner. (Poor satisfaction to 
whip a post.) The lashes were inflicted on the face and neck 
and on the back. After the whipping off and breaking of his 
spectacles, he protected his eyes, I believe, with his hands. 
One terrible gash on the lower part of his cheek and neck bled 
very profusely, and was several inches long. He carried the 
mark while he lived. His back was severely welted. The 
villains, fool-hardy, gave themselves up, and were bound over 
to court for trial. They were found to be armed with deadly 
weapons, which they said they did not intend to use unless it 
should be necessary. The bully said he understood that Mr. 
Aaron was an athletic man, and of course expected he would 
resist. But his principle of non-resistance sustained him won- 



CORRESPONDENCE. I 83 

derfully; or, perhaps better, he sustained his principles. Here 
he achieved a victory and they defeat. 

The trial came off in court before Judge Burnside. I was 
first witness. A very able and eloquent plea was made by Mr. 
Aaron's lawyer, David Paul Brown, of Philadelphia. I re- 
member Judge Burnside said in his charge that he was not 
giving his own decision, or it would have been the utmost ex- 
tent of the law, for it was the most aggravating case that ever 
came before him; but he was overruled by two Associate 
Judges, who were liquor men — I believe, tavern owners. So 
the penalty was thirty days imprisonment and $30 fine ; and it 
was said, and I believe true, that tavern-keepers furnished them 
all they wished to eat or drink. 

After Mr. Aaron's recovery very enthusiastic temperance 
meetings were held, and one especially enthusiastic at Spring 
Mill. Distinguished speakers eloquently defended Mr. Aaron 
and the cause for which he suffered. Josiah Phillips. 



Byberry, Fifth-month 29, 1854. 

My Dear Friend — I am astonished to learn that thee is 
charged with prevarication, in connection with the long past 
but not soon to be forgotten McClenaghan case. My recol- 
lection of the lecture and of the testimony on the trial is more 
distinct than of most matters of notoriety or public interest 
occurring before or since. The meeting was appointed and 
got up by myself, held in my woods, and I was present at the 
private examination of a large number of witnesses by David 
Paul Brown, who all, like myself, did not understand Samuel 
Aaron as having any personal allusion whatever, either to the 
miserable death of Reese Harry or the McClenaghans. 

The lecture was a remarkably pleasant and good-tempered 
one. Thy nature has always appeared to me entirely above 
evasion or prevarication. I know no man more entirely can- 
did without regard to consequences. All present at the con- 
clusion of that trial should remember, as I distinctly do, that 
when Dr. McClenaghan stood up in court, after his conviction 
of what Judge Burnside called "the most outrageous assault 
upon a peaceable and unoffending man he had ever known," 



184 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

to make his whining- plea in abatement of sentence, that he 
"regretted the language of Mr. Aaron had been so misrepre- 
sented to him," as the testimony of witnesses had convinced 
him, and "believed if he had been at the meeting he should 
have taken no offence." J. R. Bowman. * 

To Samuel Aaron. 



Manayunk, February 23, 1856. 

My Dear Brother — I feel constrained to send you this lit- 
tle note, that if possible it may, with the interview we have 
had, induce you to come forth immediately and take a public 
stand against this monstrous evil, spiritualism. Your praise is 
in the country as the champion of truth and liberty ; the strong 
opponent of two great evils, slavery and intemperance. But, 
sir, let me tell you that neither slavery nor intemperance has 
made such a wreck in the world of mind, and drawn so many 
souls to everlasting burnings in so short a time, as spiritual- 
ism. I look upon it as one of the best laid schemes of the 
devil to destroy mankind. It is the very thing to delude and 
destroy the simple mind; the very thing that suits the carnal 
heart; the very thing that defiled human nature has been long 
looking for. It arose " like a man's hand," but it is now brood- 
ing like a dark, gathering cloud over the face of the moral 
heavens. I have serious apprehensions of much evil being- 
accomplished by this fell serpent before its head can be effect- 
ually crushed. If otherwise, I will be agreeably disappointed. 
I know that sooner or later God will bruise it, but God gen- 
erally works by the instrumentality of his people. 

It has been said that those who have been deluded by this 
filthy thing are comparatively worthless. In many respects 
this may be true. But, oh ! why talk so? Have they not im- 
mortal souls capable of being made either happy or wretched 
throughout a never ending duration? And is it not the duty 
of every Christian man and minister to stand forth to oppose 
and expose those wicked delusions by which the souls of their 
fellow-mortals are ruined? Did a public abettor of slavery or 
intemperance enter your town, I am sure, sir, you would be 
with the first to lift up a standard against him. And is it not 



CORRESPONDENCE. 185 

evident that the advocates of a system equally as formidable 
to the truth and ruinous to the souls of men have gone in 
among you? Are the watchmen on the walls of Zion to look 
down on such a foe as he does his work of death, and be 
silent? The Lord hath delivered unto you the weapons of a 
glorious warfare; and not only so, but endowed you with the 
power to wield those weapons. And now the giant has step- 
ped up to your door. Arise, in the name of Jesus, and smite 
him. "Stop his mouth," and " rebuke him sharply." Hear 
the claims and the teachings of this infernal delusion, and the 
blasphemy of its victims, and you will be persuaded that it re- 
quires but little or no investigation to be denounced. 

I am sorry to find that this wicked thing has made such 
inroads in Norristown. But I do sincerely hope that you will 
take a decided stand (before the public) against it. I know 
you are fully able to oppose it, and that your expositions, ad- 
monitions, etc., would have a good effect on the community 
of Norristown, that this woful thing might soon come to its 
end and have none to help it. 

Dear sir, I have written to urge you to assail this "wild- 
ism." In this it may be I have taken too much liberty; but I 
wish you to remember I have written as a brother whose heart 
gushes forth for your welfare and the welfare of mankind. So 
please excuse this liberty, despise not my youth, and believe 
me when I say my motive is to establish the blessed gospel 
and overthrow the kingdom of darkness in the earth. 

I am, sir, yours in the bonds of a holy Christianity, 

To Samuel Aaron. W. F . 



April 26, 1862. 

Dear Sir — At my request Judge B wrote to you the 

within challenge. I have been some months investigating 
spiritualism, and have continually found mediums or spiritual 
speakers advancing arguments destructive of old views of the- 
ology. Failing successfully to meet them, I am anxious to 
hear those better versed than myself pitched in public or pri- 
vate combat against the persons who are with no small in- 



I 86 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

fluence spreading doctrines which according to Christian be- 
lief are dangerous to be propagated in any community. I in- 
tended to have seen you to-day, and had a conversation upon 
the subject; but business preventing, I send you this through 
mail, hoping to receive an answer at your earliest convenience. 

Yours most truly, 

To Samuel Aaron. 



Mount Holly, April 28, 1862. 
Dear Sir — I have just received yours of the 26th instant, 

enclosing Mr. B 's, and noted the contents of both. To 

enter into the controversy proposed is entirely incompatible 
with my taste, my engagements and my sense of duty. 

1. My taste forbids me to engage in a mere bootless 
public or private wrangle with witches, wizards, jugglers or 
necromancers, as it w T ould seem like casting pearls before 
swine. Even if that amiable, honest trickster, Signor Blitz, 
should challenge a preacher to explain his tricks, good taste, 
I think, would decline the ordeal. 

2. My time is so engaged in reading, teaching, preach- 
ing, and seeing the sick, that I have not fifty or one hundred 
hours to spare in hunting to their holes all the itinerant foxes, 
male and female, that are carrying firebrands through the land. 

3. If the Bible is true, this spiritism is a lie. The truth 
of the Bible is not a question with me nor with any other sane 
man who has devoutly studied it. Spiritism, like the devil, 
contradicts the Bible, and mocks and blasphemes both it and 
its author. I believe that spiritism has skill and power. It 
has the skill to lie with cunning art, skill to juggle, and the 
power of fiends to help it out. The demons that Christ sent 
into the swine gave proofs of greater strength and activity 
than what has yet appeared in this modern demonology. A 
sense of duty would permit me to debate with a serious and 
candid skeptic who consulted only his reason and pretended 
to nothing supernatural, but I can hold no parley with those 
who summon the spiritual world to mock and blaspheme its 
author. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 87 

4. The tendency of this spiritism is too loose all the 
bonds of moral obligation and to give the rein to all lawless 
appetites and lusts. Therefore, conscience bids me condemn 
and denounce it as occasion demands, but to hold no inter- 
course or fellowship with such an " unfruitful work of dark- 
ness." You have spent months in investigating spiritism. I 
have spent years in investigating Christianity. I am settled, 
satisfied, happy. You appear to be undecided, and want man 
to do for you by argument what God alone can do by grace. 
Christ is proposed as the object of our loving faith. God is 
"well pleased in Him," and only asks man to be so, too, as 
the passport to a holy heaven. 

The terms are easy, and they have never failed the soul 
that has accepted them. Try them, and may God help you. 

Your sincere friend, 

Samuel Aaron. 



Mount Holly, August 4, 1863. 
Dear Brother — I have not had time to make an earlier 
reply to yours of the 12th ult. Be assured, I entreat you, that 
my good will toward you is not diminished nor can be by the 
unfortunate difference of opinion between us, which your let- 
ter seems to imply. If it were possible, even, for you to de- 
cline, not only from what I deem a correct religious faith, but 
also from a pure, moral life, it would still be my duty, as, I 
trust, it would be my choice, to pray for you, to advise you, 
and to love you. Your letter is amiable and christianlike in 
its language, and doubtless is an honest transcript of your 
heart, but to my mind it manifests not one single ray of that 
" reason," to which it lays so strong a claim. Observe, I do 
not say but that you have reasons for your change of faith, 
but only that you show none to me. If you have good rea- 
sons, they are as good for me as for you (for I, too, am a man), 
and I need as much as you to know them, to adopt them, and 
to secure their blessing. 

o 

The reasoning faculty enables us to examine evidence, 
and was manifestly given to be thus employed. The Bible, 



1 88 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

composed of the Old and New Testaments, assumes to inform 
mankind how they may acceptably worship and serve Al- 
mighty God, live a right life here, and secure everlasting pur- 
ity and happiness hereafter. Is there anything in your "self- 
reliant nature" which is authorized to pronounce any of its 
requirements to be " useless, outward ordinances?" Is there 
anything in "self-reliant nature" or "reason" either, which 
can take "one single step" with absolute certainty in the right 
direction as to moral conduct, and as to the fact of a future 
and eternal existence, without instruction from the Scriptures? 
Do you answer, Conscience? Conscience bids the South Sea 
Islanders to kill and eat their neighbors, and, therefore, is not 
a certain guide. It teaches millions of Americans to support 
and other millions to condemn slavery, and thus contradicts 
itself. Do you say, Reason? Reason has made millions of 
Greeks (the acutest people that ever lived), Epicureans, or 
pleasure lovers, votaries of every brute appetite; other mil- 
lions, stoics, or pain lovers, glorifying pain as the chief good; 
others again materialists, denying all spiritual existence; and 
others immaterialists, denying the existence of matter. Re- 
member these people were the masters of reason, hitherto un- 
equalled, at least unsurpassed, among men. 

What then of this humbug of "self-reliance," or "reason," 
or even "conscience?" And how did you find out that the 
"teachings delivered by a messenger from heaven inculcated 
by all Christendom," and which you still " reverence as holy 
teachings," are merely "of the past," and "have fulfilled their 
destiny as far as they were intended for yourself?" Such vast 
knowledge as this on your part requires a revelation from 
heaven, contradicting a former revelation from the same source. 
And when heaven contradicts itself, what shall a man believe? 
As to your hypothesis that some "principles" (I suppose you 
mean moral and religious principles) are safe for me, and other 
different principles safe for you, the proposition is absurd, un- 
less you first show that you and I are beings of different na- 
tures, under different obligations, or that there are two equally 
powerful Gods, who are pledged to each other to remain at 
peace. In fact your supposition is infinitely more absurd, as 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 89 

it supposes a different God for every different man, or else a 
Divine Almighty Being who has no uniform rule of action. 

You use the phrase, in reference to yourself, "deluded 
enthusiast." The phrase is absurd, as it means "enthusiastic 
enthusiast"; like saying "wet water." I therefore do not ap- 
ply it to you. But in all sincerity and affection, I believe you 
to be a deluded man, as the tenor of your letter and of my 
reply most amply prove. And I infer from your letter and 
from remarks of our mutual friends that you have been de- 
luded by attending on the teachings of "spiritism," that shal- 
lowest and vilest of modern impostures. I am satisfied that 
it is indeed a dealing, as the Bible says, with " unclean spirits," 
for its legitimate tendency has been to promote immorality 
and contempt for all truth in .testimony. The "spirits" con- 
tradict one another, and therefore lie, disparage divine revela- 
tion, and therefore blaspheme God, and in a word present the 
boldest public display of rogues on pretended supernatural 
authority that Christendom has ever seen. These harsh con- 
clusions are derived partly from the confessions and recanta- 
tions of some of the most eminent professors of its revelations, 
and partly from the unchanged lives of vile men and women 
who remain eminent among its votaries. 

Reason has no power apart from evidence. On that it 
can act and on nothing else. Those vast intellects among the 
Greeks, etc., above referred to, had facts in nature, mathe- 
matics and rhetoric, and reasoned safely and profoundly; on 
spiritual and divine principles, having no revelation from God, 
even their reason was impotent. Bacon, Newton, Locke, 
Butler, Saurin, Cuvier, Chalmers, Edwards, and many others 
of similar powers, examined the authority of Scripture as a 
revelation from the Most High, by applying reverently the 
mighty energies of their reason to the light of testimony, in- 
trinsic and extrinsic, and reached the same conclusion, viz. : 
"That Jesus Christ is the only name given under heaven and 
among men whereby we can be saved." 

That a set of flippant blasphemers should be able to turn 
a soul as candid and as strong as yours away from your duties 
towards the Lord Jesus Christ, and from your interest in his 
redeeming blood, and set you to talking about " my followers," 



I90 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

is indeed as gall and wormwood to every feeling of my heart. 
And again, on the other hand, if you mean to set up the 
powers of your own "reason" in opposition to that of the 
men named above, and that too without examining the case 
as thoroughly as they did, and so on the spur of impulse fix 
on conclusions involving your eternal destiny, I declare that 
such conduct appears to me the most unreasonable as well as 
the most perilous within the limits of the human will. 

I shall always think of you with amazement and with 
sorrow, and pray for your recovery till I learn that you walk 
in the revealed commandments of the Lord. 
Very truly your friend, 

Samuel Aaron. 



United States Consulate, 
Cardiff, England, April 16, 1862. 

My Dear Friend — I can hardly tell you how sad and 
vexed I have felt within the past week to see by our papers 
that Wendell Phillips had been disturbed while lecturing in 
Cincinnati, and that you had met with some opposition at Bur- 
lington, N. J. This makes me feel more disheartened than 
anything else. I fear not the powder, the bullets, the guns, 
the Merrimacs of the traitors, one-tenth part as much as I do 
a corrupt and consequently a divided public sentiment of the 
North. If all our people felt in their own hearts the iniquity 
of slavery ; if they felt that they had sinned and done wickedly 
in the sight of God and man for the past half century for apol- 
ogizing for slavery and sustaining it, then I should have no 
fears for the traitors, however great their number or formida- 
ble their power. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" 
But what I fear is that the virus, the poison of slavery, has so 
infused itself into our very veins and bones and marrow that 
we are hopelessly corrupt; that there will be more vile and 
unprincipled "compromises" made with the slaveholding 
power to bring them into the Union. God grant that I may 
not be right in my fears. 

You will be glad to learn that since I have been here my 
health has improved very much. My thirty-four years of con- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 191 

stant teaching from the time I left college had completely 
broken me down, and I required an entire change. The cli- 
mate here is remarkably mild for its high latitude. I have not 
been obliged to wear an overcoat to my office six times the 
whole winter. I have seen nothing that deserved to be called 
ice or snow ; once a little sprinkling of snow, that did not cover 
the ground. 

My duties are generally very pleasant and not laborious, 
though this is, I think, the third Consulate in Great Britain. 
I cannot help, now and then, thinking of the time when I 
must return home, and where I shall go. My family say I 
shall never teach again, and I want to get some small place, 
in a good country town, of from two to six acres. I shall not 
wish to be at a great distance from Philadelphia, for what lit- 
tle material interests I have are there. May I ask a few ques- 
tions about Mount Holly? Is it an expensive place of living? 
Is there good society there? How high does the anti-slavery 
thermometer range, — at 32 , temperate, 56 , or blood heat? 
Have you any good public libraries? I know it is looking 
rather far ahead; but it will do no harm, if we are not "anx- 
ious about the things of to-morrow." 

Most truly and cordially yours, 

Charles D. Cleveland. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



July 20, 1862. 
Dear Sir — I was glad to see (for the first time) the writ- 
ing of one whom though personally unknown to me I felt so 
intimate with from the report of those we both love. It would 
give me real pleasure to oblige you in any way. At present I 
am not able to leave home, and whether I shall be able to do 
so next winter I cannot now say. All that I can promise is 
that I will try to plan so as to accommodate you. If ycu 
should hear of my being engaged to speak in your neighbor- 
hood please write and remind me, and I will do all I can. 
Truly yours, Wendell Phillips. 

Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



192 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Camp , January 19, 1864. 

My Christian Friend and Brother — This is a dismal, rainy 
morning, and I thought I could spend a few moments with 
pleasure in penciling a few lines to a friend I hold most dear. 
I have sufficient reason for loving you: for the good I have 
received from you, in the Christian instruction you have im- 
parted unto me, the kindness I have received, and, best of all, 
your daily walk and conversation. You have erected the 
Christian standard so high that your image is so indelibly 
stamped upon my heart that eternity can never obliterate it. 
The teaching I have received from you has led me nearer to 
the loving Saviour. I fear I shall very much miss you when 
I cannot hear your voice. But, thanks be unto God, I have 
"a friend who sticketh closer than a brother," and I will put 
my trust in him, in the camp, upon the battle-field, and in the 
hour of death. 

A soldier's life is a hard one for a Christian. I have found 
but a very few who love the Saviour. A few of Christ's dis- 
ciples met on last Sabbath and had a very good season of ex- 
hortation and prayer. It grieves me to hear the curses, the 
wicked songs and jests, the foolish talk, and, worse than all, 
the making fun of Christ and his religion. 

It is most astonishing to me to see so many drink rum 
and lager beer. There is a great deal of card-playing going 
on around me. A young man who slept with me, from the 
"pines," spent on Sabbath day nine dollars; another said he 
spent four hundred in a few days. One man lost the night 
before ninety-four dollars; still another, one hundred and ten; 
and I cannot enumerate the cases. 

I have learned that we will not leave here until the old 
regiment comes back. I would be pleased to receive any word 
from you. Give my respects to Mrs. Aaron and family. 

Yours affectionately, L S 

Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 93 

Washington, D. C, June 2, 1864. 

Dear Sir — Mr. Charles S. Bates has called upon me with 
the request that you should be invited to preach in the Hall 
of Representatives some Sunday during the present session of 
Congress* I requested him at once to write to you, and in 
my name to extend to you a general invitation without assign- 
ing a day. I now write to say that it will give me great plea- 
sure to place the Hall of Representatives at the service of one 
so distinguished for earnest advocacy of the cause of freedom 
on the second or third Sunday in June. There is some hope 
and expectation that the highly honored Dr. R. J. Breckin- 
ridge, of Kentucky, may be able to stop and preach here on 
the Sunday after next, when returning from the Baltimore 
convention. But if he cannot come I trust that you will be 
free to accept my invitation. Will you then have the kind- 
ness to make your arrangements contingently for the 12th or 
19th of June, so as to ensure your being able to visit Wash- 
ington on one of those Sundays. 

As an additional motive for your coming, I would state 
that no Baptist minister has thus far preached in the Hall this 
season, and it is desirable to have each leading denomination 
represented there in the people's church. Hoping to receive 
a favorable answer by an early mail, I remain, 
Very respectfully yours, 

William Henry Channing, 
Chaplain of the House of Representatives. 
Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Mount Holly, N. J., June 4, 1864. 
My Dear Friend — Your favor of atlay or two ago was fol- 
lowed by one from Dr. Channing, dated June 2, 1864, both in- 
viting me to preach in the Hall of Representatives. This is 
indeed a most unexpected distinction, and the acceptance of it 
has cost me a mental struggle which I need not describe. I 
have, however, concluded, if God please, to make the experi- 
ment on the 19th insi, if that day will suit. Dr. C. writes that 



194 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

Dr. R. J. Breckinridge may or may not occupy the 12th, and, 
as I understand him, leaves the 12th contingently between Dr. 
B. and myself, but leaves the 19th positively open to me. Please, 
therefore, my dear friend, to inform me certainly whether I can 
have that day or the 26th, if Congress sit till then. About the 
26th our school will close. 

I am ashamed of not writing to you, but truly grateful for 
your kind promptness in scouring the friendly chain; and be 
assured it is not tarnished. I really have not time to write as 
I ought. You have never happened to say whether you saw 
Dr. Elder. A response from Dr. Solger implied that you 
handed E. my letter. 

Your views of men and policies accord with my own, but 
I have been very careful to keep them in my own breast; at 
least such as the unfriendly could use to your disadvantage. 
I should be glad to know the drift of any powerful under- 
current before I come to Washington, that I may expose it, 
or warn against it, as I shall speak very boldly, though not 
abusively, of men, measures and theories. 

Fremont is nominated. What then? Our conservatives 
here are alarmed and offended. I tell them to take it patiently 
and thankfully ; the people as well as the politicasters have a 
right to declare their preference, and it has long been needed 
that those who pay and earn the public expenditures should 
dictate who should use and disburse them. Fremont's pro- 
gressive platform and vast popularity will compel the adoption 
of an advanced position at Baltimore, and convince Mr. L. 
that "Kentucky pets" are not much longer to be the Jugger- 
naut of this great Republic. I suppose Mr. L. will be nomi- 
nated at Baltimore, and unless utter madness and stupidity, 
even the Weed-iest, rule the hour, I think that a platform 
richer in promise at least than even that of 1856 will ask the 
support of the people.* If they give us one as good as that of 
Cleveland, I will for unity's sake support it; if they falter, I 
will vote for Fremont, as I think him brave and true. Grant, 
so far as we know here, is doing grandly, and Lee seems over- 
matched. Write soon. 

Yours truly, Samuel Aaron. 

Mr. Charles S. Bates. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 95 

Mount Holly, June 10, 1864. 

My Dear Friend — I wrote to you a week ago, enclosing 
a reply to a letter from Dr. Channing promising to come to 
Washington and preach on the 19th or 26th inst., if either of 
those days would suit. Your note, delayed on the way, in- 
forms me that mine has not been received, and meanwhile I 
have concluded that as the session has so nearly closed, and 
adjournment may take place in a week or less, I will request 
that my coming shall be postponed till December next, when, 
if permitted, I will comply with the invitation if Dr. Channing 
and you think proper to continue it. I am truly grateful for 
the good opinion of both of you, and that you have both de- 
sired for me the opportunity of giving so eminent publicity to 
views so long and so honestly entertained; but my ambition 
of notoriety has nearly passed away. Still I will, more to 
please you than myself, cheerfully tell Congress what I think 
on public affairs, next session. 

My mind is not clear as to what I shall do in the coming 
Presidential election. Both platforms ignore the franchise of 
the negro, and I firmly believe that we can neither deserve nor 
possess true and permanent prosperity till we render equal 
and impartial justice to all honest men. On the whole, I 
know not what to do yet; if Grant is repulsed, Lincoln will be 
disgraced and forsaken, and Fremont will probably become 
the nation's hope whether nominated by the Democrats or 
not. If in the divisions likely to occur the Copperheads get 
the reins, then look out for national dishonor and destruction, 
for the triumph of blackguardism such as the city of New York 
has maintained and exhibited for some years past. I firmly 
believe that a civil and social war would ensue if Christians 
and moralists did not conclude to yield to extermination, in 
which men of the nerve of Fremont would have to rally the 
true-hearted and fight even the forms of government for the 
realities of civil and religious rights. A dark day is approach- 
ing if Copperheads are to rule, — dark as that foreshadowed by 
the good Quaker's vision. But I feel sad to-day; let us all 
be cheerful and trust in God. 

Your friend as ever, Samuel Aaron. 

Mr. Charles S. Bates. 



I96 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Mount Holly, June 16, 1864. 

My Dear Friend — My coming must be deferred till De- 
cember. Your last note fails to say what date was fixed for 
my visit. I left to Dr. Channing the choice of the 19th or 
26th inst.,and much correspondence would be needed to reach 
a right understanding. But this is not the cause of my declin- 
ing to come. The uncertainty before, and the need, if I came 
in June, of making a disjointed harangue, deterred me. Every 
moment of my time is used up by daily teaching and frequent 
attempts to preach. 

I see your children frequently; the two little girls spent 
the afternoon of Monday last with my little grand-daughter, 
and had a jovial time. 

I have not a moment more, and remain 

Truly your friend, Samuel Aaron. 

Mr. Charles S. Bates. 



Mount Holly, December 19, 1864. 

My Dear Friend — Your letter was received, and I attended 
to the business matter you wrote about. I have not made a 
special visit to your children for some time, but see some of 
them every few days and know of their welfare. 

Mount Holly is in statu quo, so that I can think of nothing 
worth telling you. My discourse on the evening of Thanks- 
giving day pleased many loyal people well, but gave great, 
almost unpardonable, offence to a few skin-deep Democrats, 
some of whom thought of having me cashiered from the pul- 
pit. My reply to them was that I could not help thanking a 
good God for the overthrow of rebellion in the South and 
murderous treason in the North; that on all subjects within 
the scope of moral and religious instruction I should say just 
what Scripture and my own conscience dictated; that mean, 
ungodly factions in churches often made out to drive off hon- 
est preachers, and so control the churches and corrupt both 
them and the ministry, making cowards of the one and hypo- 
crites of the other; and that I had determined to stand by the 
upright and progressive part of the church, and let the others 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 97 

leave or be excluded, as the case required. This position 
seems to have calmed the surface; but the dregs of hate and 
prejudice lie deep. 

I am sorry that my friend has been imposed upon 

by sharpers. I see nothing immoral in his risk. But is it not 
better for those who take a high moral stand to have almost 
nothing at all to do with men of reputation in the slightest 
degree uncertain? Perhaps he did not know they were "dis : 
loyal" when he trusted them, though I understood he found 
them so. We are compelled in the daily current of affairs to 
float alongside of the base, but we ought never to trust our- 
selves in their hands nor touch them except to do them good. 
I do not censure a want of principle in , but of prudence. 

The President has taken a manly stand in his late mes- 
sage, and I am especially pleased by his nomination of Mr. 
Chase to the office of supreme expounder of the Constitution 
and the laws. Chase has been weighed in the balances for 
twenty-five years by many hands, and never found wanting. 
No other man capable, except Sumner, has been so thoroughly 
proved, nor he for so long a time. I would have preferred Sum- 
ner, because he is ten years younger, a greater legal scholar, 
and equally a friend of universal justice and humanity. But, 
thank God, one of the noblest men on earth has now the highest 
seat for life among the judges and expositors of human law. 

I see that Ashley, of Ohio, has the floor whenever he 
chooses to call up the question of advising the states to amend 
the Constitution so as to prohibit slavery forever. I wish you 
would ascertain and inform me whether petitioning would do 
any good, as I have a petition here but have thought its cir- 
culation needless. 

Chandler, I believe, is proposing to prepare and present a 
bill to the government of Great Britain, demanding indemnity 
for the three or four hundred millions' worth of property de- 
stroyed by vessels built and manned by British hands; and 
perhaps for further damages to our commerce by the prevent- 
ing of thousands of our ships from venturing to sea. It strikes 
me as the profoundest stupidity among the acts of nations that 
Great Britain should permit these, and like insults and wrongs, 
to be perpetrated by her people against a nation so mighty 



I98 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

and so chivalrous as ours. It will be easy to show that our 
people are $1,000,000,000 poorer on account of the wanton in- 
termeddling of British avarice and pride in the current of our 
civil war; and I shall not wonder if sooner or later her people 
compel the government to pay us half that sum rather than 
go to war with us and lose Ireland, most of her colonies, and 
all her navy and commerce. She will reflect, probably, that 
we have a compact territory forty times her island in extent 
and one hundred times at least as rich in natural resources — 
perhaps five hundred times — with a people equal in number, 
incomparably more enterprising and intelligent, and many of 
them, alas! hating her most heartily not without cause. Brit- 
ain seems mad to her own ruin, and false to her boasted love 
of human rights. 

The prospect of victory, even of the extermination of the 
rebel armies, looks brighter now than ever before. We were 
alarmed by the successful audacity of Hood, whose every 
stroke was exaggerated by rebel falsehood and our own fears; 
but now it appears that Grant, Sherman and Thomas under- 
stood the force of his temerity, and lured him to ruin. The 
march of Sherman for three hundred miles through the best, 
the very garden of the rebellious country, not only unimpeded, 
but strengthened and enriched as he proceeded, is among the 
military wonders of the age, and confirms the soundness of 
the views of himself and Fremont at the beginning, who both 
advised to pierce the very heart of the rebellion with an ade- 
quate force. For such advice Sherman was ignored as a mad- 
man by "Little Mac," and sent to command an obscure fort- 
ress I know not where; and Fremont ostracised by the Blair- 
Weed dynasty. I begin now to think that Fremont ought to 
have pursued the policy of Butler and Sherman, — pocketed 
all snubs and gone wherever ordered, and so have become the 
foremost "Roman of them all." But I don't know. It seems 
almost inevitable that Savannah, Charleston and Wilmington 
will soon be ours. The Rebel order already given to econo- 
mize arms and missiles proves the supply to be scanty. What 
then when British aid is utterly prevented? Sherman has, no 
doubt, collected an army of able-bodied negroes, and our mul- 
tiplied stations on the highland and the ocean frontier of the 



CORRESPONDENCE. 1 99 

remaining rebel territory will speedily draw the rest. It is 
now desirable that Davis and his confreres should be thor- 
oughly stubborn to the last, so that their banishment or death 
may result in spite of Presidential or Congressional amnesty; 
and then, with God's blessing, we shall have a just and glo- 
rious peace. 

Keep thinking now and then whether there is a place in 
some department, Freedmen's Bureau, &c, wherein I could be 
useful. Allow something for a bad pen, and think me 

Your good friend, Samuel Aaron. 

Mr. Charles S. Bates. 



Washington, D. C, February 9, 1865. 

My Dear Friend — I called to see Mr. Sumner, and spent 
a good part of the evening of the 2d of January with him, and 
was advised to write you to come on here, or get Dr. Chan- 
ning to invite you to come, which I have been endeavoring to 
do. But before I got to see Dr. Channing, he had made ar- 
rangements for all the Sundays of this short session, which 
have thus far been occupied by himself, he having closed the 
church for the session. Another reason has been that the 
Grand Division resolved to have a great celebration in the 
capitol on the evening of the 15th, which has now been inter- 
fered with by their evening sessions. Still, we intend to have 
one after the adjournment. In the meantime I am advised by 
the officers of the Grand Division, who have charge of the 
subject, to invite you to come on at your earliest convenience. 
I am particularly desirous to see you here, as Mr. Sumner 
told me the bill before Congress to establish a Freedman's 
Bureau would become a law, and that you are the very kind 
of man that must be put at the head of it, and I am satisfied 
he will have a large say in the appointments under its pro- 
visions. I know also that Mr. Stevens and would be 

glad to aid in having you appointed. There is a great field 
here for you to operate in, and I hope soon to see you here. 

This evening I shall introduce the subject of having a 
public meeting held by our division in one of the large 



200 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

churches, and will leave this until to-morrow. It was decided 
at our meeting last night to hold a public meeting on Thurs- 
day night the 26th inst., at my instance, and a committee ap- 
pointed to procure one of the large churches and speakers for 
the occasion, and make all necessary arrangements. I, there- 
fore, as chairman of the committee, take this early opportunity 
of inviting you, my dear brother, to come and take part with 
us; chief part, in fact the only part, save what our G. W. P. 
may have to say. I trust you will make arrangements to 
come and spend at least a week; I hope until after the 4th 
of March. Your travelling expenses will be borne and all 
other expenses. I have enough boys in the division from our 
department who would be glad to contribute to bear all your 
expenses. I have consulted G. W. P. Bradley with regard to 
your coming, and have his approbation; in fact, the intention 
was to invite you for the 15th (by the officers appointed at the 
session of the Grand Division), had it not been delayed. I 
hope you will be able to stay with us for some time. 

My daughters informed me that you gave them an ad- 
dress at the Methodist church on Sunday afternoon. They 
also told me that you had been quite ill, but are now con- 
valescent. May I not hope that you will call and see my little 
flock soon ? 

Yours truly, C. S. Bates. 

Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Norristown, February 11, 1865. 
Dear Sir — I hope you will not think me very importu- 
nate if, notwithstanding your refusal, I beseech you to come 
and give us a lecture, and when I tell you my reasons you 
will not be surprised at my persistence. George Francis 
Train lectured here last night, and came out in a most shame- 
ful tirade against England, urging war with her; and what is 
much worse, spoke in the most degrading manner of the poor 
down-trodden Africans, making them little better than mon- 
keys, and only fit to be the bearer of burdens. He said he had 
always found them so in their own country and everywhere 
he had seen them. My indignation would hardly allow me 



CORRESPONDENCE. 201 

to keep my seat; and when he had done speaking, I went to 
him, and told him he had done more harm than he could un- 
do for a long- time. His reply was: "I never was on their 
side"; and yet, a short time before, he had said he was always 
on the side of the weak. He is a very amusing lecturer, and 
there was a large audience, and he pandered to their preju- 
dices, and no doubt one-half of them thought him right, and 
many more were glad of an excuse to be of the same opinion. 
And now, unless you, sir, or some one equally true to the 
good and right, will come, and before the same people, will 
vindicate the cause of the poor African, and show how un- 
christian the desire for a war with any people, except for a 
great cause, like the one we are now engaged in, is for an en- 
lightened people, such as we are, to indulge in, I shall feel 
that our Saviour's teachings have been trampled under foot 
by an infidel, and no one has thought it worth w 7 hile to speak 
against him. In addition to what I have already said as a 
reason for your coming, we still need money for the poor, and 
I know of no one who would fill the house as well as you, as 
both your friends and enemies will go to hear you. I wish 
Mrs. Aaron would accompany you, and let us have the pleas- 
ure of a visit from you both. I will mention the ioth of 
March, if that time will meet your convenience, as that will 
give you time to refresh your memory on all the points in 
history of the intellect and strength relating to the African 
character. I know I am asking a great favor. Please remem- 
ber me kindly to all your family. 

Sincerely your friend, . 

Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



Mount Holly, February 15, 1865. 
My Dear Friend — I feel most grateful to you for your un- 
faltering kindness to me, and almost flatter myself that some 
great advantage must grow out of it. But it is absolutely im- 
possible for me to leave home even for three days at this sea- 
son of the year. I teach the largest classes, and there is no 
substitute to be found in my place. 



202 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

I enclose herewith a letter to Senator , in which I 

have requested him to urge the claims of Governor Andrew 
to a place in the new Cabinet; and have also asked him to 
think of me for a place in the Freedmen's Bureau, and to speak 
to Senators Harris (who is a Baptist), Sumner and Wilson, and 
to Thaddeus Stevens. Whatever you can do through Senator 

and otherwise, I will be unspeakably obliged to you 

to do; though I earnestly request that it may all be done as 
quietly as possible. I have scarcely the slightest expectation 
of a favorable result, and deprecate the effect of disappointment 

at home. I rejoice at the promotion of Mr. , and still 

more at his integrity and courage in effecting the removal of 
immoral public servants. May heaven preserve and strengthen 
him in all such noble efforts, and may the American people 
and their representatives soon accept the same views on this 
point which he and I have so long cherished. 

And now a word about our public affairs. Thanks be to 
God for the vote in Congress proposing to the states the great 
amendment. I think three-fourths of the loyal states have the 
power to ratify that vote and make it valid. Mr. Sumner 
urges this view; and it is absurd to call on those who have 
tried to murder the constitution for their help in giving it a 
new vitality. It is likely, however, that this absurdity will be 
insisted on, and possibly the determination of the question may 
come before the Supreme Court. There can be no doubt that 
three-fourths of the loyal states will assent to the amendment. 
It is really amusing to find the Rebel oracles who determined 
to crush the Union because, as they said, the North would 
discuss the "negro question," engaged themselves in discuss- 
ing that and nothing else; discussing it, too, much more radi- 
cally than was ever done in the old Congress, whether the 
negroes shall be made soldiers to secure Rebel independence, 
and whether all or how many shall be emancipated. How 
amazingly clear in these things is the interference of Divine 
Providence, in forcing to the lips and throats of reluctant 
tyrants the very dregs of that cup to avoid which they rushed 
into the blackest treason and the bloodiest war. 

I predicted rightly the course of Sherman in his career- 
through Georgia, viz., that he was aiming at a sea base. And 



CORRESPONDENCE. 203 

now I venture to prognosticate that he is pushing forward to 
co-operate with Grant for the great purpose of crushing Lee, 
the Rebel military genius, in whose hand alone the sinews of 
their war-power meet, and whose heart and brain give plan 
and spirit to their treason and rebellion. Sherman is now about 
three hundred and fifty miles from Richmond and one hundred 
from those parts of North Carolina where he will find more 
friends than Lee can. In thirty days of far more moderate 
marching than he made in Georgia he can reach the Appo- 
mattox. I cannot conceive that any formidable force can be 
concentrated to impede his progress; and the nature of the 
season, though unfavorable to rapid marching, is well adapted 
to connect him with the sea, because the rivers will be full for 
the next two months, and the Santee, Wateree, two Pedees, 
Cape Fear, Neuse, Tar, Roanoke and Ohowan, all large win- 
ter streams, can surely be controlled by our mighty navy and 
Sherman's army abundantly supplied with men and munitions 
at intervals averaging forty miles. These suggestions may be 
practically blank, but the natural basis stands as I have stated ; 
and if I were as great a General as Sherman, I should try to 
realize the plan. The Rebels will hardly carry out the arm- 
ing of the blacks, and will fail in the attempt if our people will 
only have the sense and magnanimity to give the franchise to 
the bravest and most intelligent among them; and especially 
if military honors and posts are given to the capable and true. 
The massacre resulting from the act of Jeff. C. Davis at one of 
the Georgia rivers should be the subject of investigation by 
the War Committee, and whoever is responsible for it should 
be signally punished and forever disgraced. Wendell Phillips 
blames Sherman; but I hope so brave and wise a man will 
escape that stain. 

I do not heartily approve Mr. Lincoln's condescension to 
those artful Rebels whom he met at Fort Monroe; but still it 
seems to have impressed some of the conciliators that traitors' 
hearts are not so soft as they regarded them, and the Tribune 
of to-day thinks it stimulates desertion from the Rebel ranks. 
J rejoice with all my soul that Lincoln and Seward did not 
lower their terms. I feared that Seward might do so, and that 
he would influence Lincoln. But all seems well. Honor to 



204 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Stanton and Dana for the ground they take about the clerks. 

I have had various invitations this winter to lecture here 

and there, and have now an urgent one to answer George 

Francis Train at Norristown. Perhaps I may go. Give my 

respects to Senator , Mr. Stevens, Dr. Elder, and others 

that you know I esteem, and regard me as ever, 

Your sincere friend, Samuel Aaron. 

Mr. Charles S. Bates. 



Martinsburg, Va., November 2, 1864. 

My Friend and Brother — During the past month I have 
written to a number of my correspondents, and thought your 
turn had come to-day. I am here alone, and have been for 
several days in a house (and a very poor one; my former one 
a few days ago burned to the ground, and some things with 
it) about five by six feet, with plenty of ventilation, and the 
weather here has been very cold. * * * It affords me 
much pleasure and consolation when I learn from my wife that 
you and your family are so kind and sociable to my little trio 
company while I am far, far away from them in this land of 
blood and carnage. 

Last summer while I was at Cold Harbor I volunteered 
my services in our hospital. Amongst a large number of poor 
wounded soldiers (Union) were two rebels, one not danger- 
ously and the other the surgeons did not touch, thinking the 
wound mortal, and left the poor fellow there to die. He laid 
there weltering in his blood for some time, and I thought I 
must try and do something for him. I put forth all the skill 
I had and nursed him faithfully for a number of days, and had 
the satisfaction of hearing the surgeons say that they thought 
he would recover, and I helped move him into a wagon to 
come North. Did I do right or did I not? My conscience 
answers, yes. If that poor rebel gets well I shall feel that I 
was the humble instrument of saving his life. My motto is, 
use our enemies well when we have them wounded or pris- 
oners. * * * 



CORRESPONDENCE. 205 

There is much profanity and most intolerable drunken- 
ness in the army. How I do hate rum; if I had no other 
name to call it, I would call it devil. I think your skirts will 
not be covered with blood in the great judgment day because 
you have not testified against this monster; but I believe that 
many who call themselves the ministers of Christ will have a 

most dreadful account to give. I venerate Brother for 

the noble stand he takes in testifying against rum and slavery. 

While I think of it, I would say that Lieutenant , a 

former pupil of yours at Norristown (now in the hands of the 
rebels since the battle of the Wilderness), wished me to give 
you and your family his respects. He told me many things 
to tell you that I have forgotten, not having seen him since 
early last Spring. He thinks there are few such women as 
Mrs. Aaron. He spoke about being sick while at school, and 
of her great care for his comfort. I liked him myself, and he 

drank no rum. He and Captain came very near fighting 

a duel last winter, with rifles, only five yards apart. I think 
he was writing and arrancqncr his business all the night before 
the conflict was to take place. Some of the superior officers 
heard of it and placed them under arrest, thereby, I suppose, 

saving the life of one of them. Captain was shot by a 

rebel; the bullet entered his chin and passed out through his 
left ear. I helped carry him about a mile and a half to the 
hospital, while solid shot fell thick and fast around us and 
very near. 

I have many things to tell you, but cannot write more 
now. I trust I shall see you before many weary months pass 
away and speak face to face. I have a great love for the Bap- 
tist church at Mount Holly, and have been hoping and pray- 
ing for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit there. I hope 
the Lord will give you the power of breaking many a hard 
and sinful heart. My respects to all of good will. My kind 
regards to all your family. 

Yours in Christian bonds, 

L S . 

To Rev. Samuel Aaron. 



206 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Philadelphia, April 13, 1865. 
Dear Brother — Your kind favor of yesterday is just re- 
ceived. I am truly sorry that I am unable to attend the 
funeral of precious Brother Aaron, but I am quite ill and un- 
der the doctor's hands. For no man living had I more re- 
spect than for Samuel Aaron. One of nature's noblemen, he 
grew in my love and admiration at every interview. Brilliant 
talents, sound learning, unfailing industry and symmetrical 
piety, distinguished him on all occasions. Few have his cou- 
rage, and still fewer his strong common sense. Oh, what a 
loss he is to the militant church. I rejoice that he lived to 
see the opinions as to justice to the black man, for which he 
suffered ignominy and reproach, become the sentiments of the 
nation. He suffered the fate of all who are in advance of their 
age; but his God has crowned him with honor and eternal 
life. I hope the family will send to the Historical Society his 
likeness, and any manuscripts or other mementoes, to be pre- 
served in its archives. I hope, too, that his pamphlets will 
not go to the paper mill, at least not until such as should be 
treasured up, where they will be useful, are gathered out. 

Yours in the great bond, 

Howard Malcom. 
To Mr. C. E. A. 



[Extract from a Letter from Rev. William Scott.] 

April 14, 1865. 
When I heard of Brother Aaron's death, I felt that I had 
lost a personal friend, one to whose instructions, counsels and 
prayers, I was greatly indebted during the hazardous period 
of youth. The cause of truth has lost one of her most faith- 
ful, earnest and eloquent advocates. Though " the good which 
men do is oft interred with their bones," it will not be so with 
our highly esteemed brother. His works will live after him. 
The freedmen of to-day are under lasting obligations to one 
who was the staunch advocate of the rights of man; the bitter 
foe of oppression in all its forms. Many, no doubt, were de- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 207 

livered from the curse of intemperance through his efforts or 
taught to shun the intoxicating cup. His influence upon the 
young men who enjoyed his instruction was, I believe, of the 
most salutary character. 



[Extract from Letter from Rev. Wm. S. Hall.] 

Philadelphia, April 29, 1865. 

Yours of the 27th inst. has just come to hand, and I 
hasten to reply. When I left you the day of the funeral of 
your venerable and honored father, I did fully expect to write 
to you soon, but other duties have put this out of the question. 
Yesterday I received a letter from Dr. Nathan Brown of the 
American Baptist, New York, requesting me to prepare a 

memoir of your dear father. I replied to Dr. B that I 

was incapable of doing anything like justice to such a man; 
such a Christian; such a Christian reformer; for I did not 
think we had the like of him in our denomination. The man, 
the scholar, his spirit, principles, labors and triumphs, de- 
manded something more than I was competent to prepare. I 
therefore suggested that the Board of the American Baptist 
Free Mission Society, at their meeting on the 8th of May, 
would appoint a committee of three, Rev. A. L. Post, C. E. 
Aaron and myself, to prepare or provide such a notice of your 
father's life and character as was due to the cause he served. 
I shall in all probability go on to attend the meeting of the 
Board to further this object. Rev. J. Hyatt Smith, and others, 
suggest that we should publish a small volume, as hundreds 
would want it. If you have anything to suggest in this mat- 
ter, I should be pleased to hear from you next week. There 
was no man on earth that I loved and tried to honor as I did 
your father. He made me a better man and a better Christ- 
ian, and more determined to live, suffer and die, if need be, 
for our principles. 

To Mr. C. E. A. 



208 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Free Mission Anniversary — Address of the President. 

May 8, 1865. 
* * * Our song is still "of mercy and judgment." 
The rebellion which has for four years afflicted our country, 
the most gigantic in history, is virtually crushed, and slavery, 
"the sum of all villainies," its cause, in its organic iniquity, is 
virtually dead. * * * All loyal hearts must rejoice with 
exceeding joy. And yet, too, we mourn. * * * Among 
the many thousands who have fallen victims to the slave 
power, or have been offered as martyrs upon the altar of 
country and freedom, Abraham Lincoln, our late President, 
honored as no other man in this country has been honored, 
stands most conspicuous. * * * He died a martyr to 
liberty; and well may the nation mourn. We, as a society, 
mourn, and well we may, one not so honored in obsequies, 
not having so world-wide a fame as the lamented President of 
the United States, and yet, in many respects, greater than 
he. Our beloved brother, Samuel Aaron, one of our oldest 
members, brightest and most cultivated intellects, noblest 
hearts, and most eloquent advocates, has finished his work 
on earth; and after seeing the dawning of triumph for the 
cause in which he had so long and devotedly labored and 
sacrificed, has gone to rest with other kindred spirits in the 
bosom of him whom they had served and loved. He died, 
true, not by the hand of violence, but disease took him in the 
quietness of home, and he passed away in the conscious 
triumph of the Christian's hope. While rejoicing in this, we 
bow and weep over our loss, and in deepest sympathy with 
the loss of his bereaved family. Let due honor be given to 
his memory. When our giant republic was held in the slimy 
folds of slavery, and our government bowed to its behest; 
when it was a signal for political proscription and impunity 
for mob violence to speak of liberty and the rights of hu- 
manity, with the few, he stood up in his noble manhood, and 
thundered God's anathemas against the national guilt. When 
the churches were made to bow in silence to the slave power, 
and D. D.s even to quote texts of Scripture for its encourage- 
ment and support, he, in the face of proscription and denun- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 209 

ciation as a fanatic, lifted up his voice like a trumpet, and 
showed the people their transgressions and the churches their 
sins. With a power of argument and eloquence of language 
and pathos unsurpassed, he swept away the cobweb of pro- 
s'avery sophistry, and in the light of an unperverted Bible and 
a pure Christianity, raised the humblest and most degraded 
slave to the dignity of an equal manhood and Christian 
brotherhood. When the tide of intemperance was deluging 
the country, and drunkard-makers were made honorable by 
public opinion and public law, he stemmed the current, gave 
a helping hand to the poor inebriate, and at the expense of 
stripes many, poured burning truth and stern rebuke upon 
the consciences of those who had made him such. Beloved 
by the poor and oppressed for his deep sympathy and liberal- 
ity in the hearts of all who loved purity, truth and moral cou- 
rage ; admired by even those who, in their time serving, 
feared him, and hated only by the vile, he lived. Among the 
world's noble men, her educators, her patriots, her preachers 
of the Gospel, and Christian philanthropists, he stood and 
labored in the front rank. He rests now from his labors, and 
his works do follow him. It will be ours, individually, sooner 
or later, to follow; and heaven grant that our work, accord- 
ing to our several capacities, may be as well done, and our 
death as triumphant as his. 



New 7 London, Penna., April 18, 1S65. 
My Dear Niece — On my return from the meeting of our 
Presbytery last week, I received letters from my brothers 
William and Louis, giving me the unexpected and startling 
tidings of the death of your father, who was "also my own dear 
friend and brother. I also received on Saturday, at noon, an 
invitation to myself and family to attend his funeral. It was 
a matter of much regret to me that I could not see my way 
clear to be with you on that mournful occasion. Though sad 
in itself, there would have been a kind of sorrowful satisfaction 
in thus witnessing the. last on earth of one whom I so highly 
esteemed. But as it was on Saturday, and I could not return 



2IO REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

the same day, I did not feel at liberty to disappoint the peo- 
ple by leaving my pulpit vacant. I have since received a let- 
ter from Louis, giving me an account of the funeral and of the 
exercises connected with it, and was gratified to hear of the 
very large and serious assembly that came together to pay 
their last tribute of respect and affection to the memory of 
their departed friend and pastor. 

Your late father and I were once closely and intimately 
connected in business, and otherwise, for five or six years. 
During that period, and often at other times, I had frequent 
opportunities of observing his character as a teacher, a min- 
ister of Christ, a citizen, a moral reformer, a husband and 
father and friend, and a Christian man. He was certainly a 
very able, talented and faithful instructor of youth. His 
former pupils are scattered by hundreds all over this land ; 
and whatever of good they may do, he has helped to prepare 
them to do it. As a preacher, he possessed a rare and a stir- 
ring eloquence. He loved his country, and stood by it in its 
darkest hours. How manfully he battled for temperance and 
for freedom every one knows. I have seen him in some of 
the most trying scenes of domestic life, when bereavements 
touched his heart, but he bowed his head to the storm, and 
could say, "Thy will be done!" What he was as a father you 
very well know; and what he was as a friend I have reason to 
know. He was true and faithful to me; helped me in my dif- 
ficulties; and though we have been much separated for many 
years, I have reason to believe that he never forgot the friend- 
ship of our earlier life. But what was better than all these, he 
loved Jesus, trusted in him, followed him, and served him. 
That blessed Saviour has at last released him from his labors 
on earth, and said to him, "Friend, come up higher!" You, 
and all his family, his people and his friends mourn, but he is 
rejoicing. We have lost for a season one that we loved; he 
has gone to his rest and entered the kingdom of glory. 

When I met him last month at brother Charles's funeral, 
he was talking about his good health; said that he had not 
yet begun to feel that he was growing old; "but this event," 
said he, referring to your uncle's death, " has impressed it 
more powerfully upon me than anything that has ever oc- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 2 I I 

curred, for we were very nearly of the same age." Little did 
I then think that in one short month he too would be num- 
bered with the dead. But such is life. We are here to-day; 
to-morrow we are in eternity. Oh, how important that we 
should ever be found waiting and watching for the coming of 
the son of man. 

I trust that a kind Providence will watch over you all, 
your mother, your sisters and yourself. Please give our kind 
regards to your mother, your sisters, and your brother and his 
family. May our Heavenly Father sustain and bless you all. 

Your affectionate uncle, 

Robert P. Du Bois. 
Mrs. M. D. Wiegand. 



New York, June 6, 1865. 
My Dear Friend — I view Brother Aaron's death as a 
great national and denominational calamity. I loved him as 
I love only a few, though I had not the pleasure of knowing 
him intimately. He was one of the few T who are what God 
intended to make when he created Adam — a man. He strove 
to be what a man ought to be, what God requires. For his 
honest, lofty, godly manliness, his generous and religious 
benevolence, his unsullied purity and unselfishness, I loved 
him, and do mourn his loss as a dear personal friend. God 
had gifted him as only a few are endowed, with a mind of the 
first and highest order; for this I admired him. Oh, how it 
does seem as if we could not spare him. He was greatly 
missed at our anniversary in everything. But God knows 
what is best. You must all be deeply grieved. You better 
and only know w r hat a vacuum is made by his removal. I 
seem to realize almost how I should feel if I had been daily 
accustomed to listen to his wisdom and look upon his unsur- 
passed loveliness. I need not repeat to you what you realize 
too keenly. I am not trying to write you a letter to express 
something that will please you. What I have said is purely 
accidental, and I hope you will excuse it, but allow me to say 



2 I 2 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

for my own relief what wells up in my mind almost every day 
as I think of him. It is pleasurable and painful in equal de- 
grees to have had so loved a friend. We never shall see his 
like again, I fear. Would we might. Will you please ex- 
press my regard and sympathy to your mother. 

Yours truly, John Duer. 



Bordextowx, October 10, 1865. 

My Dear Sister in Christ — At the last meeting of the 
West New Jersey Baptist Association, with which your hus- 
band was connected at the time of his decease, by virtue of 
being pastor of the Mount Holly Baptist Church, it was voted 
a letter of condolence to you should be forwarded from me, 
expressive of our deep sense of your loss, and the high esteem 
in which your companion was held by us all. It has always 
seemed to me that flattery of the living deserves reprehension; 
but when death has divided us from the loved, the good and 
the true, it is not only well, but wise, to call up in remember- 
ance their virtues, and make mention of them to others, that 
they may escape the grave's oblivion, and stimulate the living 
to emulate them. 

Your dear husband was one to whom nature was prodigal 
in her best gifts; and assiduous application to study, and a 
long course of teaching, had enlarged the original bounty, 
while the workings of divine grace had carried him quite well 
along towards the point of a perfectly ripe Christian manhood. 
He was born to be no idler in whatever field his lot might be 
cast; and his native humanity, largely improved by the spirit 
of that Gospel which he preached, made him see the two com- 
mon wrongs, under which the poor and weak suffer and groan; 
and it would have been a violation of all that was good and 
noble in him to have kept silent. You know he always took 
the part of such; hence his life could not have been expected 
to be free from turbulence. But all grows quiet when the 
turf lies on his breast; and even the oppressor, called back to 
a better consciousness, has tears for his memory and words of 



CORRESPONDENCE. 2 I 3 

praise for his broad humanity and Christian fidelity. Few- 
men have been followed to the grave by truer friends or more 
tender recollections. Our Association, in which he was long 
known, and which had honored him with its highest gifts, did 
not refrain from tears at the mention of his name in its last 
meeting. He was largely what he was in those things which en- 
deared him to us most, by the influence and effects of the Gos- 
pel on him and in him, a humble, conscientious Christian man. 
All we can say to you is, that the loss of such a husband 
is to sustain a loss for which there is no earthly measure; and 
in such a deprivation only one can come near enough to com- 
fort and support, and that is Christ the Lord. But the period 
of separation from the departed cannot be long, for the dis- 
tance of travel is shortened by every setting sun, and the end 
of Christian journey is in " our Father's house on high." 
Certainly, to you, sister, the boundary stream that divides the 
wilderness from the promised land is not far away; perhaps, 
sometimes it seems almost in sight; and the beautiful words 
of another may not be inappropriate to you in your longings 
and loneliness. 

" Now I sit and think when the sunset's gold 

Is flushing river and hill and shore, 
I shall one day stand by the water cold, 

And list for the sound of the boatman's oar; 
I shall watch for a gleam of the flapping sail, 

I shall hear the boat as it gains the strand, 
I shall pass from sight with the boatman pale 

To the better shore of the spirit land. 
I shall know the loved who have gone before, 

And joyfully sweet will the meeting be 
When over the river, the peaceful river, 

The angel of Death shall carry me." 

In behalf of the Association, as well as with feelings of re- 
spect and deep sympathy, 

I am truly yours, A. P. Buel. 

Mrs. E. G. Aaron. 



2 14 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

Washington, D. C, October 25, 1889. 

My Dear Miss Aaron — I received your letter of the 8th 
inst., and was very glad to learn that something- wa s about to 
be done to commemorate the life and work of your dear, dis- 
tinguished father, whom I loved and venerated above all men 
I ever knew. After he came to Mount Holly I had the grati- 
fication of being much in his company and learning more of 
his excellence than I had ever before had opportunity. Prior 
to that time I had only seen and heard him occasionally when 
he came there to preach and lecture on temperance. The first 
time I ever heard him was about 1847 or 1848, during the war 
with Mexico, when he came to attend a Baptist Association 
and addressed it at a night session upon the war with Mexico, 
which he denounced with all the energy he possessed as a war 
for the extension and perpetuation of human slavery. Few men 
at that time, of any profession, would have dared to speak as 
did he; but his courage never failed him in warring against 
wrong. I regret that I have not been able to find all his let- 
ters, as I have always prized them so highly and shown them 
with so much satisfaction to my friends, which will explain 
their worn condition. My estimate of your father during our 
long intimacy was and is that he was not only the best man I 
ever knew but the most eloquent, and in that I was fully sus- 
tained by two friends whose good judgment was acknowledged 
by all who knew them, and they knew him well. 

One morning on the cars from Burlington to Philadelphia 
I met William R. Allen, ex-Mayor and ex-State Senator, and 
John C. Deacon, a well known Quaker. On the way they 
spoke of Mr. Aaron, who had decided to come to Mount 
Holly, and expressed their regret that he did not decide in 
favor of Burlington, as they had always listened to his ad- 
dresses with so much delight while in Burlington, where he 
had spent several years in connection with the Gummeres in 
their large school, and where he preached for several years. In 
the course of conversation Mr. Allen said, in his very sober 
and deliberate way, "I have heard many of the most eminent 
preachers and statesmen, and am free to say that Samuel Aaron 
is the most eloquent man I have ever heard"; when Friend 



CORRESPONDENCE. 2 I 5 

Deacon said, "I agree with thee in that opinion fully, and re- 
gret that he did not cast his lot with us in Burlington." 

Nor is that the only evidence of the correctness of my 
judgment in that respect, as upon another occasion when I ac- 
companied him to New York in September, i860, to attend 
the annual meeting of the American Bible Union, at which 
Prof. Hackett's revision of Paul's Epistle to Philemon was to 
be considered. Mr. Aaron took serious exception to it because 
of his making Onesimus in a lengthy argument in his accom- 
panying notes a slave of Philemon, while in the Epistle he 
termed him a servant. The convention was held in a Baptist 

church and presided over by Dr. . The body of the 

church was filled largely by delegates, ministerial and lay, Mr. 
Aaron and myself sitting in the front pew at the right of the 
platform, on which was seated the committee of final revision, 
composed of nine Doctors of Divinity, all of whom took oc- 
casion to speak in defence of their report and complimentary 
of the work of Prof. Hackett, and the Secretary read from a 
number of leading newspapers complimentary notices of Prof. 

Hackett's work. When Dr. arose to put the question 

on the adoption of the report of the committee, Mr. Aaron arose 
and made the most eloquent speech I ever listened to against 
it, the effect of which exceeded anything I ever witnessed or 
ever expect to. For some time not a word was spoken ; the 
convention seemed to have been paralyzed by his anti-slavery 
utterances, and after a long and painful pause a lay delegate 
from Philadelphia moved that the report be referred back to 
the committee with instructions to report in accordance with 
the sentiments expressed by Brother Aaron, which was done 
without a word of objection by the committee who had com- 
mended it so highly. The conservative spirit was then so 
potent that not one of the daily papers reported the speech; 
and the only paper that gave any report of it was the American 
Baptist, which was but a brief one, as they had but brief notes. 

In the summer of 1864, soon after I came to Washington, 
Mr. Aaron requested me in one of his letters to call on his old 
friend, Thaddeus Stevens, and sent me a note of introduction, 
that I presented one evening soon after, and was heartily wel- 
comed. Mr. Stevens expressed himself very glad to hear 



2l6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

from him, and speaking in a very solemn tone said, "Samuel 
Aaron is of the salt of the earth; no better man than he has 
lived, in my opinion, since St. Paul." He told me much of 
their long intimate intercourse as co-workers in Pennsylvania 
in behalf of education, temperance and abolition of human 
slavery, and invited me to call and see him often, saying he 
should always be glad to hear from his old friend. 

In June, 1864, and again in the spring of 1865, as you 
will see by the letters, I made arrangements with Dr. Chan* 
ning, then Chaplain to Congress, for Mr. Aaron to preach in 
the hall of the House of Representatives, a notice of which 
Mr. Stevens was to write, to be published in the newspapers 
in advance of his coming; but in consequence of delay from 
miscarriage of letters, and the near approach of the close of 
the session, he decided to defer it, partly on account of the 
many daily duties devolving upon him. I was very sorry he 
declined coming, and so also was Dr. Channing. 

Until receiving your letter I was not aware that anything 
emanating from him had ever been published, or anything re- 
lating to him, and should be glad to have a copy of the pam- 
phlet, as I prize highly everything connected with his name. 
I send you what letters I have, to make use of as you pro- 
pose, and hope you may be successful, with the promised aid, 
to present a creditable sketch of your deceased father, who was 
so much loved by all who knew him. 

Sincerely your friend, Charles S. Bates. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 217 

Mount Holly, April 12, 1865. . 
My Dear Friends — I hasten to express the deep sympathy 
I feel for you in your great bereavement, and shall be thank- 
ful to serve you in any way I can. We must all feel that a 
eood and useful soul has left this world to commence in a 
hieher state of existence a life still more useful and active 
because unimpeded by a feeble and suffering body. Our dear 
friend was retained here long enough to see the fulfillment of 
his most earnest wishes, for which he labored so faithfully. 
Truly we can say of him, he dared to do right. Who would 
wish a more noble epitaph. I pray that you may be supported 
in your affliction. 

Believe me very sincerely your friend, . 

C. L. R. 

Mrs. E. G. Aaron. 



[Extract of Letter from J. W. Loch, Pli. D.] 

Norristown, January 21, 1889. 
Miss Aaron — The memory of your father is dear to many^ 
Norristown people, and he has left his impress upon this com- 
munity more fully than any other man who has lived here; 
and while many differed from him then, all now agree that he 
was the pioneer of many righteous reforms. 



Plainfield N. J., November 25, 1889. 
My Dear Miss Aaron — I am glad that you are about to 
write a sketch of your father's life, and am glad of the op-, 
portunity given me to subscribe for it. The memory of so 
great and good a man ought to be preserved so as to be an 
inspiration to those who are to come after those of us who- 
knew and loved him.' A generation has grown up that 
scarcely knows that there was among us so recently a man 
who, in some respects, stood among the men of his own gen4 



2l8 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

eration almost without a peer. My brother, the late Judge 
Yerkes of Philadelphia, was one of your father's pupils, and 
his admiration of your father was unbounded. That was the 
feeling of all his pupils whom I have ever met. 

Most truly, 

D. J. Yerkes. 



Amksbury, Mass., First-month 3, 1 
Dear Friend — I knew thy father very well in the years 
1838, '39 and '40. He was one of the truest and bravest of 
my anti-slavery friends — a Christian gentleman. I have al- 
ways remembered him with affectionate interest. 

Thy friend, 

John G. Whittier. 
To L. C. Aaron. 



[Extract of Letter from Hon. Thos. Adamson, U. S. Consulate General.] 

Panama, January 10, 1890. 

Dear Miss Aaron — I have just received your letter of the 
23d ult. on the subject of the book you are about to have pub- 
lished, which is to contain a sketch of the life of your father, 
with some of his sermons, lectures, etc. 

I am very glad to learn that there is a prospect that we 
may soon have such a memorial of one of the best and one of 
the most truly great men our country has ever produced. To 
those who never had the privilege of knowing the Reverend 
Samuel Aaron, my admiration for him might seem to be almost 
idolatrous; but to you, his daughter, who know so well his 
greatness of mind, the nobility of his nature, and the tenderness 
and warmth of his affections — to you I need not explain why 
I loved him. 

I cannot claim to have been one of his "good boys," for 
I often incurred his displeasure and no doubt gave him cause 



CORRESPONDENCE. 2 I g 

for anxiety as to my future. Like others of his pupils, I some- 
times had to have interviews with him in a private room — in- 
terviews that were not of my seeking; but I always left his 
presence with the feeling that he had tried to be thoroughly 
just, and that a reasonable explanation of seeming misconduct 
would always receive his full consideration. The only things 
of which he was altogether intolerant were deceit and plain 
falsehood. 

If our national politics had ever been sufficiently pure to 
enable him to have secured a seat in the Congress of the na- 
tion, he would have shown himself to be a head and shoulders 
above the average of the men around him and the peer of the 
greatest of them. I have heard some of the greatest orators 
of the last fifty years, but I never heard such a thrilling speech, 
such words of burning eloquence, as when during the old 
anti-slavery days he addressed a great audience in Norristown 
on the subject of the attempt of the slave-hunters to capture 
the runaway slave "Bill" at Wilkesbarre. I see him now as 
if it were yesterday, the tears coursing down his cheeks as he 
described the poor hunted slave plunging into the icy torrent 
of the river to escape the human bloodhounds. There were 
many in that audience who were unused to the melting mood, 
but there were few if any whose tears of sympathy failed to 
flow then. Even now, after a lapse of almost forty years, my 
cheeks are wet as I recall the incident and the impressive man- 
ner in which it was described. 

With the memory of my goo'd, loving and strictly con- 
scientious parents I shall always associate that of my dearly 
beloved teacher, the truly Reverend Samuel Aaron, and of 
that most excellent woman, your beloved mother. 

Boys are irreverent creatures and often apply appellatives 
to those they love which may sound disrespectful. You, how- 
ever, will not misunderstand me when I say that more than 
any diploma of the greatest of our universities do I prize the 
distinction of having been "one of Sammy Aaron's boys." 
You will hardly need to be told, then, how glad I shall be to 
have you put my name on your list of subscribers. * * * 
Sincerely your friend, 

Thomas A damson. 



2 20 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Mount Holly, N. J., September 15, 1862. 
Dear Sir — Learning within a day or two, on supposed 
good authority, that you regard American slavery to be an 
institution compatible with the teachings of the Old and New- 
Testaments, and believing, myself, exactly the contrary, I 
thought it best not to attend the prayer-meeting without fur- 
ther consideration. I should be afraid of disturbing the har- 
mony of the meeting, as conscience would demand, that God 
would lead the whole nation to repent of slave-holding as our 
greatest national sin. I should feel compelled to name that 
and other sins, and should feel a sort of devout indignation 
rather than brotherly union at hearing the vague phrases, 
"sin," "transgression," "iniquity," " unholiness," etc., repeated 
for an hour. In the deepest convictions of my heart, I feel 
that in this matter of slave-holding, my country has made, or 
tried to make, a "covenant with death and a league with hell;" 
and I expect no rest for the people, North or South, till the 
nation confesses its sin in oppressing the poor and the inno- 
cent, and does the work meet for repentance, by proclaiming 
"liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants." If it is 
thought that such feelings, earnestly uttered, would profit the 
prayer-meeting, I shall be glad to attend. 

Yours truly for the oppressed, 

Samuel Aaron. 
To Rev. . 



ANTI-COLONIZATION. 



Review of Rev. Mr. Pease, 
Odd Fellows' Hall, March 10, 1854. 
Ladies and Gentlemen — I appear before you this evening 
with the most sincere and earnest purpose to vindicate what I 
believe to be truth and benevolence, and to oppose, with all 
the might that God has given me, falsehood, injustice and op- 
pression. I intend to make my appeal to reason, to facts and 
to justice, and to them alone. There is no occasion for me, 
nor those that I represent, to invoke the applause of the peo- 
ple; and I sincerely hope that there may be no disposition 
in this assembly, or the part of it who sympathize with 
me, to give me any applause except that which may con- 
sist in a quiet and patient hearing, nor to express opposition 
in that manner against those who may differ from us in their 
views, though they differ even rudely. Let us show, my friends, 
that we stand upon the merit of the principles which we advo- 
cate, that we ask no favors, that we grant all justice, that we 
even grant more — that we are willing to be abused, injured 
and misrepresented. I hope, then, that we shall be quiet. I 
hope it may please all to be quiet. If there is anybody that 
does not want to be quiet, let him take the responsibility of his 
position. We need not take any appeal to the mob — the mob 
in satin and in broadcloth, nor the mob in rags and tatters, for 
these two extremes of society are very apt to come very close 
together. There are many men in all communities, and espe- 
cially in this, who have manly thoughts and manly purposes, 
whether in broadcloth or in cassinet. To them I appeal; and 
for everybody else I don't care much, I tell you, and you know 
it. [Laughter.] I work for nothing and find myself, and the 
person who does this it is pretty hard to stop. 



222 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

This is a question that is to be settled by evidence, and 
that evidence I intend, as far as time will allow me, to present 
before you this evening. It has been said very lately, if you 
will permit me to be so personal for a moment, that I was 
never before put down. It has been recorded in a most re- 
spectable paper of this town that the other evening I was put 
down. A reverend reporter for that paper, as I am very cred- 
ibly informed he is, states that I was stamped down, that I was 
hissed down. Well, now, it is true that while I was down I 
was kept down by that kind of operation, whether to my own 
glory or to the glory of those who used the means it is not for 
me to say. I was stamped down, I was hissed down; but I 
can truly say that neither myself nor my friends, at any time, 
in this community, have resorted to stamping down or hissing 
down. We have always been perfectly willing to listen with 
respect. We have not stamped ; we have not groaned ; we 
have not hooted, nor whistled, nor hissed, to stop any sort of 
man, drunk or sober, from expressing an idea, or a fragment 
of an idea, if he happened to have any such about him. For 
myself, I never was put down before; and I have met, in this 
very place, the drunken mob, the profane mob, the street mob, 
the "old court-house" mob, the political mob, furious mobs of 
every description. With these I have always got along with 
tolerable satisfaction. 

It then must be taken for granted that this was a very dif- 
ferent mob, and so it was. Why this, my friends, was not a 
profane mob, nor a street mob, nor a political mob, nor a 
court-house mob, nor a brutal mob; this was a colonization 
mob. This was not a sacrilegious mob; this was a holy mob, 
this was a dignified mob [laughter], this was a colonization 
mob. [Applause and laughter.] I do not want anybody to 
stamp but a deacon. [Continued laughter.] I say in the dis- 
tinguished opposition sat an eminent clergyman with heels, 
hands and head going; at a little distance off, a little further 
from the platform, sat the starry lights of the colonization dig- 
nitaries, Olympian Jove in the centre, and all the lesser divini- 
ties around about him. There they sat in dignity while groans 
and hisses, and whistling, and squealing, and other such noises, 
were going on around them. A little further along there were 



ANTI-COLONIZATION. 2 23 

the ruling elders, the leaders of the pious societies and com- 
panies,— there they were, stamping and clapping; and a little 
further from them were the boys and young men. These were 
lifting up the benches and letting them fall again, to keep up 
the noise; and at the very tail end was the poor ragged rab- 
ble, that were in unison with the rest, head, neck, heart and 
body. These were the sanctified ones of the colonization so- 
ciety. There I, poor man, was down on the broad of my back, 
it is true. I had to be still, for the most part, and the further 
I went the worse it got. The question I was particularly de- 
sirous to ask was, Who is authorized to explain the doctrines 
and principles of colonization? There stood the reverend or- 
ator; he gave me no quarter, he would answer not my ques- 
tion, Who is the person to expound the principles of coloni- 
zation? We are told that Henry Clay was not, and I, in the 
sincerity of my soul, wanted to know. I have asked again 
and again w T ho is prepared and authorized to answer this ques- 
tion; to tell us what colonization is; what its principles are. 
Who? I ask, Who? Echo answers, W 7 ho? And I presume 
we never shall know who is to tell us the meaning of coloni- 
zation. It is a matter of testimony, and we want to know be- 
fore we can be decided. You may ask what my religion is, 
and I can tell you; but you do not go to Matthew, Mark, 
Luke, John, Peter and Paul, in this matter. [Laughter.] 
There is no such mark that has been revealed yet, but the 
thing is good; it is unexceptionably right, and there can be 
no mistake. And this is all we know about it. 

I am now going to examine very briefly the testimony of 
Bishop Scott. I suppose most of you have read it; and it was 
said in that testimony that "all positions taken by those in op- 
position to me were right, and those positions taken by me 
were wrong." Now, for the Bishop. I have no doubt at all 
that he was an upright and truthful man. If I am not sincere, 
he will tell you; you will find it out. But these Bishops are 
very ecclesiastical men, and those that are the most devoted 
among them are the most ecclesiastical. There are some ex- 
ceptions, however. There is the Right Reverend Alonzo Pot- 
ter, a man remarkable for his general knowledge and liberal 
principles, and for piety. And there is my good friend, Bishop 



2 24 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

Paine, with his poor little flock about him, against which the 
wolves howl and yell terribly. Bishop Scott acknowledges, at 
least, his incompetence to speak in this matter. And now 
just hear him. [The speaker here reads from the testimony 
referred to, at the same time making remarks on certain pas- 
sages.] Haven't I got him here, hooped up? You do not 
suppose I'm blaming the Bishop, do you? I know but little 
about him. He tells us he never w.as ashore but once. 
He went there and came away, and I guess that was two 
days. That was the only time that he was ashore. I say put 
on a Bishop's ecclesiastical dress, and send him here to Xor- 
ristown upon an ecclesiastical errand, and I say he can't find 
out much. He ought to come here to-night to learn human 
nature. But he is among the good men, the good clergy, the 
good ladies; among the pious people. What does he know- 
about Tom, Dick and Harry, and all those who make up the 
bone and muscle of society? It is not in him to know. [Reads 
again.] Well, now, the Bishop does not believe that domestic 
slavery exists there. Why, you might go down, as a Bishop, 
into the Southern states, and come to the sage conclusion that 
Mississippi and Alabama were the very seventh heaven of 
negro bliss — they would use you there so well. " My dear 
sir, how have you been? I am extremely glad to see you. 
It does my soul good to see a man of God among us, and I 
have great satisfaction and great comfort in your society." 
They don't go out to see what is going on among the poor 
blacks. It would ruffle their robes, it would hurt their feel- 
ings, it would distress them, if they were to come in contact 
with such things as these. [Reads again, and speaks of the 
blacks in connection with schools and churches.] It is not, 
after all, the law or the rule that makes the objection ; it is the 
prejudice, it is the feeling, it is the contempt. 

There are churches even here where they cannot go, they 
are so holy; the men in them so holy; in the churches where 
the colored man cannot come. They have a hatred against 
this poor people, whom they regard as a caste, a down-trodden 
race, and whom they think it true glory to trample upon. 
Friendless, alone, oppressed, injured by our government; all 
its power at work, particularly at this time, to outrage them; 



ANTI-COLONIZATION. 225 

therefore they are not allowed to come into their churches. 
[Reads.] 

He tells us in another report that there is not a single 
public school in the whole colony of Liberia, yet they are 
better of, have better advantages, than in this country. Have 
not we got a public school in this town, a respectable colored 
school here, where they may be instructed in the branches of 
useful knowledge, and where they may even learn the Latin 
language. Yet the Bishop tells us they are better provided 
for in that country, there where there are no public schools, 
than they are in these very states, here where they are among 
schools. And in these very states there are colleges, too, 
where colored women and colored men may go and get an 
education, bad as we are. And yet the Bishop tells us they 
are too poor to obtain their own schooling; and if there is any 
school at all, it is kept by Methodist missionaries who are sent 
there. Yet they are better off there. 

I might have said a word about the post-offices. A man 
may go there and write a letter, and it may not be interfered 
with in the post-office; it may come safely through. Do you 
think that letter written for the ignorant black man, who sits 
by, not knowing what its contents are, think you that the 
authorities of Liberia would undertake to stop that letter? 
Oh, no; it is the poor people; these are the ones that feel 
that pressure. The Bishop's letters go free; and that is a 
proof, as strong as holy writ, that there is no overbearing 
power poured upon the wronged and the unhappy. 

It is no proof for me. [Refers again to the testimony.] 
He could not go ashore one single night for fear he would be 
taken sick and his mission should not be carried out. He 
says "I cannot answer as to the provision." This, one of our 
worthy ladies certified, that "the officers of the government 
did use surreptitiously the good provisions and give them bad 
and damaged food." He says, "I cannot answer as to the 
provision; officers may sometimes look after their own inter- 
ests, just as they do in this country." Maybe they do; don't 
know; let that pass. [Quotes further.] "There is no ab- 
straction that I know of." Poor soul! I will just leave him 
in your hands, but do not take him about your heels, take 



2 26 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

him to your brains and use him well. [Reads.] The custom 
is to bribe these poor people, and give them a pretty good 
share of rum, and then they will listen, and then they say, " he 
good man ; he fine man." [Testimony concerning the doc- 
trines inculcated.] There is the testimony of the Bishop, and 
I leave it for reasonable men to consider and say whether it is 
at all calculated to promote the religion of the meek and lowly 
Jesus; a religion which I love; in which my hope and joy 
are based. 

I am now going to turn to some more testimony. Re- 
member, my friends, this is only testimony, and it is my busi- 
ness to show that it is an invalid testimony. [Here he speaks 
of the testimony of Thomas Morris Chester.] Cheap servants 
there; nothing to wear; don't have to put anything on them, 
you know [laughter] ; very cheap. Now I thought that this 
young man told such a beautiful and rose-colored story -that 
I would like to hear further about him, so I wrote to a gentle- 
man in Harrisburg. A brave and fearless, upright, noble 
man. Oh, I must not praise him too much or else I will catch 
the infection. I wrote to them to tell me something about 
this Thomas Morris Chester. [He here read the letter that 
was received in answer to his inquiries.] It is almost two 
sides to the story, isn't it? Well, now we are told that that 
gentleman is soon to appear here on this platform to enlighten 
us. I learn further from Mr. James Miller McKim, whose 
veracity no man dare impeach. I spoke to him about this 
famous Thomas Morris Chester; he went away and got his 
"Ledger"; his " Pennsylvania Freeman" ledger; he opened 
it and showed me that he had sent for the paper, and had re- 
ceived it two years, and had not paid one cent of his subscrip- 
tion. This is the gentleman that is to be here to enlighten 
you. 

The next subject we come to is a remarkable man. My 
friend was scolding me for having so many documents here. 
We have had a great deal without documents; we now must 
make free use of them. There has been something said about 
me being a "bumping buck." [Laughter.] Now, you know, 
I am as gentle as a lamb; I never yet delivered a "coloniza- 
tion" lecture. We have had here a most distinguished orator 



ANTI-COLONIZATION. 227 

(counts the lectures delivered); he has given nine bumps to 
my one; and if there is any "bumping buck," I think some- 
body else had better take it on his horns besides me. [Laugh- 
ter.] My head must be very hard and my horns very sharp 
to resist them. [Slight confusion and attempted applause.] 
No! no! none but the ruling elders. Don't want common 
people to stamp. [Laughter.] If there are any clergy among 
you, you may stamp. There are two constables here. [Laugh- 
ter.] [Here he reads a document on colonization.] 

We are told on still higher authority than this, gentle- 
men, that "the slave trade had been exterminated for three 
thousand miles upon the African coast." This had been ac- 
complished by this " Liberian Colony" ; not quite so big, and 
certainly not so rich, as Norristown. This gentleman says, 
"if the American squadron should be taken away" — remem- 
ber he is the commander of it — "then the slave trade would 
be renewed and extended." These don't exactly agree; but 
great men differ. I desired the name of this gentleman. I 
civilly asked, Will the speaker be so kind as to tell me the 
name of the gentleman? I was referred to the Secretary of 
the Navy; and by writing to him I could probably find out. 
Well, that brought down a roar, a hissing and stamping, while 
every man in that assembly, poor soul, could say "pease." I 
still insisted upon my question being answered. At length it 
came out, "Isaac Mayho." Yes, Isaac Mayho. Now we have 
him. The business he follows is rearing slaves and selling 
them off to the highest bidder. This man might well say that 
he wished to suppress the foreign slave trade, because he is 
the most interested in the domestic slave trade. This is the 
man, as I learned from gentlemen in Philadelphia, who is a 
drunken, brutal rowdy and a ruffian. This Isaac Mayho 
But you need not wonder that such men are employed by the 
government. Mrs. Stovve, that excellent authority that was 
quoted and dwelt upon here so eloquently, declares that "this 
domestic slave breeding" (she calls it breeding) amounts to 
eighty thousand slaves that are bred for market every year. 
Then talk about the slave trade on the African coast. Now, 
hiss! the own shame and love of your country. 



2 28 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

I love my country. I tell my country of her wrongs. I 
do not first throw myself into the hands of the North, and then 
into the hands of the South. I love the truth, and will stand 
on it and die by it, to the end. [He now refers to a letter 
from C. Morris.] He is a first-rate man, kind of Quaker Epis- 
copalian; was bred a Quaker, and became an Episcopal min- 
ister. Such a man can't be beat, I take it. [Laughter.] He 
married a slaveholder's daughter, and to his infinite credit be 
it spoken, as soon as his father-in-law died, the will favored Dr. 
Morris, and the whole family agreed that they would set free 
all their slaves. The slaves of Mr. Justin, of Maryland, were 
then set free; he was a near neighbor of Mayho. [Speaks of 
Richard Neal. Gives an account of an affair in which Neal 
and his family were the sufferers.] 

Now, let us have Robert Cushman. He says, "As to 
the slave trade being completely extirpated by the Republic 
of Liberia, there is no man under the heaven that believes it; 
that thing is impossible. Is there a man among us here who 
believes that that little colony can drive off the slave trade 
from the coast of Africa? The power of England could not 
do it. Where is the reverend gentleman to-night? Does he 
believe it? No! no! no! It can't be done. The whole na- 
val force of the Republic consists of one man-of-war — a 
schooner, and that was presented by Queen Victoria. Now, 
Queen Victoria recognizes this government. She also recog- 
nizes the mosquito government, Guatemala. It is said there 
are two sloops, of two guns each. No one of these vessels 
would be capable of contending with a slaver as ordinarily 
equipped. Do you believe this squadron capable of extirpat- 
ing the trade from a coast three thousand miles in extent? 
You can't believe; you dare not say it. The slave trade is 
carried on there. 

Lieutenant Forbes talked about that. Dr. Bacon talked 
about that, and he published it in his own paper; and he pub- 
lished it when Governor Roberts was in New York, and he 
did it because they were about, and he said to them, "Con- 
tradict, if you dare." They didn't do it. [He referred to a 
letter from Lewis Tappan.] This gentleman says that slaves 
can be purchased from the natives for articles of goods worth 



ANTI-COLONIZATION. 229 

four or five dollars. Now, you may call them slaves, or some- 
thing else. I say slavery is this: Suppose you catch me, and 
put me in the power of my friend Hooven — and, by the way, 
he is about as good a master as I would wish to have — you 
put me in his power; then I am his. You may give me a 
gold watch and chain, if you like; but they don't do that there. 
Put a few clothes on them and sell them for five dollars each. 
[He here quotes Cushman.] He says the slaves are cruelly 
treated. The instrument of torture is a whip containing a 
number of large lashes with knots on the ends. With these 
the slaves are scourged on their bare backs, until, in some 
places, the flesh is laid open in large gashes. Now, you may 
call them slaves or not; I don't care what you call them. The 
slaves, it is said, are in a degraded condition. They go to 
church and are made to sit outside of the door; and if they 
go inside to sit on the floor. [Refers to Cushman.] It is a 
slaughter house; it is a place of skulls. [The speaker here 
called upon a gentleman present, Mr. Robert Purvis, to bear 
witness to a certain fact.] He said, " My friend has called 
upon me, and I have to say that John B. Russell, who was 
President of the Colony after the auspices of the American 
Colonization Society, said, that the once colonial Secretary of 
Liberia, the editor of the 'Dingy Sheet,' stood convicted in 
the court for having facilitated the trade in slaves in that 
colony." [Mr. A. continues.] To throw such masses of 
ignorance and barbarity upon a foreign shore is both cruel 
and wicked, Who are these men? These people are said to 
be so degraded. We are told that they are the worst race on 
the earth. One of the worst races upon the earth. That they 
are incapable of being reached by Christianity. Will salt 
water purify them? Make a heaven out of Liberia. Now, I 
do not believe that they are a worse race than some of the 
rest of us. They are my brethren; I hold them as such; I 
mean to treat them as such if these colonizationists will let 
me. [Reads from another document in reference to a Presby- 
terian Board of Missionaries sent out to Liberia.] "I have 
heard it said here that there have been slaves shipped out of 
this colony for the last year, and many emancipated slaves 
have died from the force of the climate," etc. 



23O REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

I think I have cut out a little more work than I can sew 
up to-night, and it is now nine o'clock. [Cries of Go on ! go 
on!] Now I do not know, but you may be in a pretty good 
humor to-night; it is not often that I please people. I always 
had politicians on my back, but I have generally succeeded 
in getting along somehow. Now, when I heard of the colony 
of Liberia emancipating eight hundred thousand slaves ; when 
I heard all that, I felt a little wicked. I did. I went to Mr. 

S and said that was not true. Said he, " It is. I will take 

my oath upon it." "I will too." "Your oath isn't good for 
much." "It's as good as yours." [Laughter and confusion.] 

Well, it went on. I went up to Mr. J . Said I, Mr. J , 

that is an infernal falsehood. I said it in a whisper. It was 
an ugly word for me. Paul spoke more dignified. Paul said, 
"O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, 
thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to per- 
vert the right ways of the Lord." That is what Paul said. 
I went the other way. [Laughter.] Now, I hope you will 
forgive me; it was an ugly expression, and was not made in 
public. 

Now I come to the notes of the reverend reporter in a 
neighboring paper. He states that "the closing scene, on a 
certain occasion, was one of great excitement." He says, 
"Such was the decided victory achieved by the champion of 
colonization, and so fully convinced were the people, that Mr. 
A. was not allowed to say one single word, but was stamped 
and hissed down." Stamped and hissed down! "Whenever 
he arose to speak," he continues, "nine cheers were given to 
the side that he favored and three groans were given to me." 
"That was a defeat," he declared, "that he never had in Nor- 
ristown before." That is true. I got it. It is a wonder I sur- 
vived it. We will pass on. The reverend gentleman gives 
me a little tickle because I would not continue the debate. He 
says I was scared. Evidently, and in fact, I was. When I 
heard about the three thousand miles of coast, and that eight 
hundred thousand people had been emancipated in three years, 
— that had been emancipated by the Liberian colony; and when 
I heard other things, I declare I was scared. Like Randolph 
with his history. A fight occurred in the street; on making 



ANTI-COLONIZATION. 2 3 I 

inquiry about it he was told so many different stories that he 
said, "If that is the history, I am done with it; I am done 
writing history." Well, this was a signal defeat. My dear 
friends, it was very much like the defeat of the Apostle Paul 
at the city of Ephesus. He went to make a speech, and the 
people gathered in a great multitude to hear him. He tried 
to push his way into the theatre. Great man ! great man ! 
And when the people heard him they were full of wrath, and 
cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Paul was 
defeated, hissed, hooted, and stamped down. [Laughter.] 
[Reads further from the report] 

Now we come to another point. " Mr. A. denied that the 
British government imposed the slaves upon the colonists of 
this country." I will tell you what Mr. A. did. He attempted 
to ridicule the expression that the British government forced 
the slaves upon the colonists. [He here spoke of the "tea" 
and of the "stamp" act.] He remarked that he brought for- 
ward the two best histories of the United States to show r that 
a Dutch ship in 1620 brought slaves to the port of Jamestown; 
and also admitted that other ships brought them in, and that 
the settlers brought those slaves because they were too lazy 
to work themselves, and they were not forced. That is what 
I said, and who dares deny it? Not a soul of you! [Reads 
a clause in the Constitution of the United States.] [Judge 
Story.] Now, what is this movement for, — all this about the 
British forcing slaves upon us, and our government being the 
first to drive down the African slave trade? What does this 
mean? It means, my friends and fellow-citizens, a contempti- 
ble apology. Our fathers did right and nobly in some re- 
spects; and their sons are trampling upon every right of man, 
every claim of God, and every principle of benevolence and 
reason. These people, what are they doing? They are now 
coming upon us of the North and trampling upon us, sweep- 
ing away the solemn contracts like the cobweb, breaking in 
upon the "old thirteen," and determined to plant slavery all 
over the country. These are to be apologized to, not for what 
they have done but for what their fathers have done. That is 
the argument, this the object. Colonization began with slave- 
holders and their apologists. Amer. Enc, Vol. Ill, 328. — 



232 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

"A caste (composed of the free blacks) is formed in the state, 
below the salutary influence of public opinion, cut off from all 
hope of improving their condition, degraded, ignorant, and 
vicious themselves, and leaving the same legacy of humiliation 
and shame to their children. A common descent and color 
unite them to the slaves, and render them the fit agents for 
fomenting insurrection among them. On this account they 
have become objects of suspicion and alarm in the slave-hold- 
ing states, and the owners of slaves consider it impolitic and 
dangerous to emancipate their negroes, since they contribute 
to increase the strength of a dangerous class." This state of 
things gave rise to the colonization society. 

"So early as 1777 the plan was proposed by Jefferson in 
the Legislature of Virginia." — Judge Jay. December 23, 
1 8 16, the Legislature of Virginia passed a resolution request- 
ing the Governor to correspond with the President of the 
United States for the purpose of obtaining a territory on the 
coast of Africa to serve as an asylum for such persons of color 
as are now free and may desire the same, and for those who 
may hereafter be emancipated. Henry Clay said : " This cause 
proposes to rid our own country of a useless and pernicious 
if not a dangerous population, and contemplates the spreading 
of the arts of civilized life and the possible redemption from 
ignorance and barbarism of a benighted quarter of the globe." 
Dr. Finley, according to Mr. P., urged three great objects: 
First, to rid ourselves of the free blacks; second, to benefit 
them; third, to benefit Africa. Mr. P. showed that the dispo- 
sition to emancipate is not so great as it was a few years ago. 
He said: "The Legislature of Virginia a few years ago came 
very near abolishing slavery altogether from the state, and 
would have done it long since had it not been for the radico- 
politico Abolitionists who entered the state, and with their 
fiery speeches and incendiary documents excited the slaves to 
thoughts of blood and murder, and to a fearful extent were in- 
strumental in bringing about the Southampton massacre. And 
who has not heard of that fearful tragedy? Mr. P. showed 
that the matter could not be denied; there it stood in charac- 
ters of blood, and all might read. Colonization was there as 
an angel of mercy, spreading out her balmy wings to shelter 



ANTI-COLONIZATION. 233 

and protect the poor negro, and was well nigh bringing about 
his liberty. But the dark-winged demon of rabid abolition- 
ism came and dashed from his hand the cup of liberty he was 
about to sip, and riveted upon him much more tightly the 
chains of his bondage. Colonization has many characters. It 
makes love to the great ones of the earth, and tramples and 
crushes the weak. But abolition is plain, straightforward and 
fearless. 



Mr. Aaron left notes only of the preceding speech. The above was written 
out by a reporter. 



COLONIZATION. 

To a Local Journal. 

Mr. Editor — The Rev. R. R. Gurley, the most eminent 
advocate of African colonization for more than thirty years, 
and the Rev. Mr. Quay, the present agent of the Pennsylvania 
branch of the American Colonization Society, addressed a pub- 
lic meeting in the largest church in Norristown on Monday 
evening, the 16th inst, after public notice given in the churches 
the day before. I attended, expecting a house full of listeners 
as earnest as myself. From fifty to sixty persons were pres- 
ent, and many of them were Abolitionists of the various stripes 
of that original and unmanageable portion of society. I heard 
the conclusion of a prayer, delivered in cadences so deadly 
deep and dull as are seldom used when a man wants anything. 
It was stated, not prayed, that " God had made of one blood all 
nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and had 
appointed the bounds of their habitation," etc. This last clause 
with some emphasis, as if to show that the American Coloni- 
zation Society had to help fix the localities for fear of mistake. 

Samuel Aaron. 



AN ADDRESS 

Delivered by Mr. Aaron on Sunday, July 8, 1855. 



AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE AND INSTITUTIONS. 



Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. — Solomon. 

American Independence, its antecedent causes and sub- 
sequent effects, must remain to the orator and the sage, not 
merely a flowery but a fruitful theme for ages to come. The 
waking up, three hundred years ago, of the human intellect to 
catch a glimpse of that Heavenly vision, the vision of personal 
and rational freedom, freedom for the body and freedom for 
the soul — a vision which the human heart had for thousands 
of years panted to realize, but which mistaken priests and ty- 
rant kings had taught to be impossible on earth — was the 
dawn, the earliest gleam of that glorious liberty which crowns 
this Western World. 

The loud shout of the nations that answered to the battle 
cry of Luther, was the morning song of freedom; the whirl- 
winds of revolution and war that swept overall civilized lands 
for two centuries, were like the breath of God to cleanse the 
seed of righteous principles and waft it hither to be planted in 
this Western wilderness. 

The harrowing power of British pride and tyranny, which 
meant to tear out the roots of human hope, that had been 
watered with Pilgrim tears along our Western Atlantic border, 
only served to give them a deeper, healthier grasp of Free- 
dom's chosen soil. 

But, to speak without a figure of the great preliminaries 
which prepared mankind for the vast experiment now making 
on this Western Continent by the mingled tribes of men, to 
urge on human progress and develop human destiny. 



AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. 



33 



Three hundred and thirty years ago, Martin Luther said, 
"We will believe in and worship God alone; we will look for 
His justifying favor, and the eternal joys of His salvation to 
the merits of Jesus Christ; His Bible shall remain no longer 
in an unknown language, chained to the rostrum of a Popish 
Bishop, with its lids padlocked together; it shall be written 
in the mother tongue of every nation, spread open before 
every eye; aye, and every man and every woman shall in the 
light of conscience and of reason be the sole, exclusive judge 
of the doctrines which it teaches, and the duties it imposes, 
accountable to God alone for mistakes and disobedience." 
"Amen! Amen!!" shouted the sturdy toilers of Germany, the 
yeomanry of England, and the lively artisans of France ! "No," 
growled the Pope; " I will sooner burn you all with the timber 
of your forests, or beneath the thatches of your own hovels. 
I will burn you in a transient, present blaze, and then hurl you 
into a future, everlasting fire! My voice is the voice of God. 
I hold the keys of earth and heaven. All, from the prince on 
the throne to the beggar in the straw, shall put their souls 
into my hand, and cleanse their consciences by my absolu- 
tion." "Even so," responded the Emperor of Germany; "my 
sword of steel shall bring all under the staff of Peter, or cut 
them in pieces." " Not the people of my dominions," said 
Frederick of Saxony; "they are growing intelligent and fit to 
think for themselves in religion, and may do so, provided they 
obey my laws." "But," rejoined the people themselves, at 
last, "if Luther be right as to the divine beneficence provid- 
ing food for each individual soul, we think it follows that he 
meant a little more for our starving bodies than we get, and 
that you kings and princes should make a fairer distribution." 
" Be quiet," said the Rulers ; " the people must obey the law r s ; 
the powers that be are ordained of God! He that resists the 
king, resists the deity." "But," said the common mass, "the 
Ruler is only legitimate when he is the minister of God for 
the good, of all; a terror to evil workers, and the praise of 
them that do well." 

Luther, great as he was, now inconsistent with his own 
first principles, began to hush into a slavish apathy the people 
whom he had roused. "Be still," he said; "rest satisfied with 



2^6 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



J 



the bread of life, and mind not that which perishes." "But," 
replied the outraged, "Godliness is profitable unto all things, 
having the promise of the life that now is, and also of that 
which is to come! You have taught us our rights spiritual; 
we will improve on your suggestive lessons, and look after 
our rights natural." Thus loud and fierce discussion came, 
then civil and bloody war. The spirit of liberty, defeated in 
Germany, but not slain, escaped into France, wounded and 
bleeding, and roused the Huguenots to contend in a bloody 
struggle with a power beyond their strength. They tri- 
umphed, however, in argument, eloquence and wisdom; and 
driven from their native land, the remnant of an almost uni- 
versal slaughter, they carried their principles to foreign homes, 
and a few found a refuge on these wild shores. 

But liberty kindled her warmest fire in the Anglo-Saxon 
soul. Her sons in England said, "Let us limit our king; let 
us teach him that he is only our minister; a magistrate under 
the people, for them, rather than over them." Henry the 
VIII. thundered in reply, "I will be both Pope and King; the 
fountain of law and gospel, too." He was fierce and persever- 
ing. The people quailed ; they saw the light at a distance, 
but only gazed and waited. The King, however, had snapped 
the chains of Popery, and thus had taught that monarchy, 
too, a weaker power, might fall by a bold and persevering 
hand. He died furious, though broken-hearted, that mortals 
should resist his will. Then Edward, the thoughtful boy, 
wept for seven years over the havoc of slaughtered martyrs, 
which his father's fury had entailed upon him; and died, too 
tender to endure that iron age. Then came the bloody Mary. 
A bigot herself, she must needs obtain, by her own courtship, 
a Spanish bigot for a husband, and the sanguinary pair de- 
termined to carry all England back to Rome. She would 
weld in the fires that roasted three hundred Protestants the 
chain which Henry, her father, had broken, and which had 
bound her people to the Pope. But she made the flame too 
hot, and the fetters she intended to fasten were only melted in 
the blaze. She perished, stricken of God, and cursed by man- 
kind. Men thanked heaven that she was gone, and took 
courage for the young tree of liberty, when even she could 



AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. 237 

not utterly blast it. Then followed the haughty and talented 
Elizabeth in a reign of forty-five years. She clearly demon- 
strated that an imperious Protestant English woman could 
with impunity defy the Pope, the assumed vice-gerent of the 
Almighty; and by thus trampling on the tradition of Divine 
Right, she taught mankind to follow her bold example. 

Next came the Stewarts of Scotland. The first proved 
that kings are not always born with brains, and lived and died 
an object of contempt. The second used badly, falsely and 
rashly what brains he had, and lost his head, a royal martyr, 
in a civilized Christian nation, to the cause of perjury and 
despotism. The men who doomed him to die were mostly 
true lovers of freedom, and cherished her growth in the new 
world of America. At this crisis rose Oliver Cromwell, the 
best single embodiment of a sturdy Englishman; honest in 
principle, vigorous in mind, steady in purpose, unwearied in 
toil, and fearless in execution. He proved to his countrymen 
and all the world, that a man may be born to rule, to make 
laws and to enforce them, without having a queen for his 
mother; an invaluable lesson, by which our great Republic 
has, in many instances, vastly profited. 

Then, in the reaction, in contrast with Cromwell, the 
Puritan, came the third Stuart, the laughing, revelling, waste- 
ful, lying Charles II., as if to show mankind how inferior is gay 
folly to serious w T isdom. 

Last of this race was James the II., a monster of perfidy 
and cruelty. For three years and nine months he swam, on 
the back of Jeffreys, in the blood of Englishmen, determined 
to torture his Protestant subjects back to Popery, and to sub- 
stitute blind submission for free enquiry. But then the land 
vomited him out, and from that day forth, Great Britain, with 
all her faults, has been a progressive, reformatory nation. Let 
us ever remember that she is our mother, a surly, ungenial 
parent to be sure; but still the mother of our nature and our 
principles, if not the kind nurse of our weakness and infirmity. 
The bravest and most generous of her sons and daughters 
have been the actual ancestors of our noblest men and women ; 
and every throe and convulsive agony of that most wonderful 
of all the nations brought forth children of liberty to be reared 



2^8 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 



J 



in this nursery of political and moral freedom. The warlike, 
fervent Puritan, who sung the loud praises of Jehovah, God of 
Hosts, and the quiet, unresisting Quaker, who worshipped in 
silence, Immanual, the Prince of Peace, all sought a refuge 
here from that impudence of power which invaded their pri- 
vate thoughts; and learned, through Roger Williams, and 
afterwards through William Penn, to be tolerant of mere 
opinions, to regulate the social relations of life by human 
laws, and to leave religious persuasions and conscientious 
scruples to God alone. So every party planted its own pecu- 
liar tree; the Quaker, his Quaker tree; the Presbyterian, his 
Presbyterian tree; the Baptist and Methodist, each his tree; 
even the Episcopalian brought over a seedling quite different 
from the parent stem, and it took root and bloomed in the 
wilderness. But every one was a tree of liberty and brought 
forth the sweet fruits of freedom; and every man sat down 
with his wife and children under his own, rejoicing; none dar- 
ing to molest him or make him afraid. 

Such is a hasty and most imperfect sketch of the prelimi- 
nary process employed by Divine Providence to furnish ma- 
terial of which to construct the Temple of Liberty. The tim- 
ber was hewn, like Solomon's cedar beams, in the far off for- 
ests of Lebanon, and brought by ships on sea to the place of 
construction. The marble was shaped for the walls by many 
a careful blow in the distant quarries, then borne to the spot 
and laid in silence. God would not have His temple where 
the Heathen would profane it, but bore His people and their 
principles to this chosen land. That men needed preparation, 
by the sifting process of mental and moral conflict carried on 
for centuries in Protestant countries of the old world, is evi- 
dent from the utter blindness and inaptitude for freedom of 
the Spanish and Portugese colonies on this continent. It is 
not by a hasty, bloody war, kindled up in a spasm of excite- 
ment, like those in Mexico and South America, thirty years 
ago, that a nation wins its liberty. Our own revolution was 
not so much a cause as an effect of freedom. People may 
shake off a foreign yoke, and fasten upon themselves one of 
tenfold weight. They must think and pray and struggle with 
heart and soul, and seek light from God above, and study well 



AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. 239 

His works and ways below, before they can bring forth new 
order, beauty and truth, from old confusion, grim abuse and 
hoary falsehood. 

It was, then, after a vast and almost infinite series of 
human events, that our national freedom became ready to be 
born. Men had to examine long and reason much before 
they could see that "all men are created equal" in their 
claims to justice before God and especially before man; that 
government is made for the people, and not the people for 
the government; that all magistrates from high to low are 
only the people's instruments, and that a man or woman, even 
the poorest, is infinitely greater than the highest magistrate as 
such; that natural rights are so much a man's own, that no 
power on earth can take them from him, and inhere so strongly 
in his person that he cannot himself give them away. It took 
time to reach these conclusions ; but at last our fathers reached 
them. They proclaimed them in the thrilling tones which 
rung out among the nations like the trump of jubilee. Mul- 
titudes of men politically dead and buried under despotisms, 
started in mental resurrection; and from that time to this the 
political earth has been quivering and heaving with the life 
that has been struggling for birth in its bosom. 

But what have we been doing here, freed by a bloody 
struggle from British power, and cut off by vast oceans from 
fear and danger? Some noble things, which should be ever 
sacredly and thankfully commemorated. The sublimest writ- 
ten theory of human rights which had been up to that time 
put forth in form, the Declaration of American Independence, 
was the work of fifty-six brave and upright men, whom, I trust, 
we shall never forget. It expressed not only bright and gen- 
erous thoughts, but it required almost superhuman courage 
and resolution. One of those heroes said at signing, with 
equal wit and firmness, "Now, gentlemen, we must all hang 
together by our own consent, or hang apart by British author- 
ity." You are acquainted with the terms of this great paper; 
I need not repeat them. It placed society on the broad, level 
platform of justice; denied all inherent authority, except that 
of inborn rights; and asserted that from these all government 
must spring. This writing and signing was noble in those 



24O REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

delegates ; and the support of it was noble in the people. That 
support involved a struggle; not so much a bloody agony of 
war as a trial of long patience and painful endurance, requir- 
ing far more faith and firmness than the burning of gunpowder 
and the braving of cannon balls. When the British saw that 
our fathers, like the good Washington, were governed by a 
principle rather than maddened by revengeful, murderous pas- 
sions, they knew that such a people were invincible, and would 
be free. Our feeling was the love of liberty and not the lust 
for power; and that, when intelligent and pure, will conquer 
all opposition. These acts and sentiments were sublime and 
worthy of a great people. 

Our fathers told God and all the world that they believed 
in and relied on his providence, and invoked his protection 
and his sanction upon the pledge of their lives, their fortunes, 
and their sacred honor. Their prayer was, "Let us be free; 
commit to us the grand experiment to make our laws, to choose 
our magistrates, and work out our destiny, exempt from the 
selfish interference of lords and kings; and we will remember 
thee, Almighty Father, imitate thy justice and copy thy be- 
nevolence." This aspiration and responsibility was sublime. 

When the pressure of war which bound them in one — E 
Pluribus Unum — was over, and repellant local interests threat- 
ened to divide them, they determined to form a general con- 
stitution, and this was its basis: "We, the people of the United 
States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, 
ensure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defence, 
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty 
to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this 
constitution for the United States of America." These pro- 
positions are grand and Godlike. They cover, not a favored 
portion, a class or a clique, but "the people," every human be- 
ing, male and female. Under them must be no discord, but 
perfect union; no oppression, but unyielding, established jus- 
tice ; tranquillity is ensured by cherishing impartially the rights 
of all; all men in common shall be defended from injury; gen- 
eral and universal, not merely a selfish or local welfare, shall 
be promoted; and last, and best of all, these almost heavenly 



AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. 24 1 

blessings shall be secured forever to ourselves and our pos- 
terity. 

This bright theory resembles the millennial glory; and 
what have been its fruits? Why, really, the mightiest nation 
on earth has been born in a day; mightiest in its power of de- 
fence, the only violent power that a nation needs, a wall of 
freeborn hearts; mightiest in its moral example, to prove that 
intelligent and virtuous men need no other king than the Ma- 
jesty on high; mightiest in its utilities and locomotion, mak- 
ing the wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose, and cast- 
ing up highways among the nations both by land and sea, so 
that many may run to and fro, and knowledge may increase. 
Our nation has been mighty in its attractions, so that crushed 
outcasts have flocked hither from many lands and found plenty, 
peace and home. Here woman has found, or is finding, her 
highest, noblest career; the acknowledged equal of man in 
education, talents and rights, she becomes the intelligent, high- 
souled mother of a generation still more progressive and en- 
lightened than our own; and there begins, in this land, to be 
seen, what ought to have been plain before, that her capacity 
to perform is the best index of her duty; and that the radius 
of her own intellect is the best measure wherewith to describe 
her sphere. 

Further still, the strife between labor and capital, that 
terrible element of discord and suffering among the older na- 
tions, is not here, on one side, an imperious cry, "Drudge or 
starve!" nor on the other a hungry tiger's growl for "bread 
or blood." I cannot say, with a flowery orator, on a late oc- 
casion, in a contiguous grove, that this and nearly every other 
possible social and moral problem has been solved, and that 
American legislation has nothing more to do. But I do re- 
joice to feel that this question of work and wages is becoming 
every day more and more a question of mutual, calm, deliber- 
ate, determined, intelligent discussion; and, trusting in the 
kind wisdom of God to guide the honest efforts of men, I 
cherish the hope that the day is near when moral laws, laws 
of benevolence and equity, shall regulate production and dis- 
tribution as harmoniously as physical laws control the planet- 
ary forces. I trust that soon every family shall have its little 



242 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

spot of ground, its own pure, beautiful home, inalienable like 
the inheritance of the Hebrews, to be invaded by no cunning 
speculator, nor torn away by the greedy creditor's relentless 
hand. May the time come when pensions shall be given, if 
need be, to the faithful, worn-out laborer in the arts of peace, 
even more than they are now to the transient and often worth- 
less straggler in the bloody acts of war; when every virtuous 
young man and woman who need it shall receive a premium 
at marriage, as men now get patents for useful inventions; 
when the floating currency of banks shall be taxed in the 
hands of those who hold it, upon the institution that issues it; 
when the hoarded bonds of covetous wealth shall be reported 
by the debtors who must pay them, and taxed upon them who 
hold them; and when the rich shall be assessed beyond the 
poor, not as now in an arithmetical, but in a geometrical pro- 
portion. 

Last of all, it is to the glory of our country, that a moral, 
reformatory spirit is more and more pervading its legislation, 
preventive rather than punitive. As every good parent en- 
deavors to prevent the seeds of vice from taking root in the 
hearts of his offspring, so a wise and virtuous commonwealth 
will look after her children, and see that their souls are not 
corrupted by those selfish foes of the human race that are 
found in every community. It is therefore matter of devout 
thanksgiving to behold our various states, one after another, 
crushing the eggs and tearing up the nests of the crocodiles 
which give being to drunkards and gamblers and licentious 
ruffians. The smiles of heaven must grow more bright when 
its inmates look down on the messengers of love and peace 
below, who, like the Hebrew prophet, have struck with devout 
hand the barren rock of legislation and caused the healing 
waters of a nation's benificence to flow for the satisfying of the 
fainting heart and the cleansing of the neglected, degraded 
soul. The proud monarchies and fierce republics of old, and 
the refined and heartless civilization of our modern era, have 
always poured the public treasures into the vortex of war, or 
employed them to gild the monuments of victory, or at best 
lavished them on works of mere national utility and glory. 
The wail of the God-stricken, of the lame, the deaf and the 



AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. 243 

blind, was unheard or disregarded by the public ear of Greece 
and Rome; and modern nations give millions to destroy, but 
little to save, mankind. Not so here. In our land free dis- 
cussion and a free pjess are like the harp of Orpheus; and the 
genius of eloquent Philanthropy plays upon its strings. The 
stubborn trees and hard rocks of public indifference are moved ; 
the greedy, voracious beasts of party politics are softened and 
charmed. The heart of the nation grows tender when the 
good Miss Dix and her loving fellow laborers make their ap- 
peal ; its coffers are opened; the palace-asylum springs from 
the ground, a garden-like Eden blooms around it; "the eyes 
of the blind are opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 
the lame man leaps as a harp, and the tongue of the dumb 
sings." The flickering ray of intellect is cherished even in the 
idiot's soul; drop after drop of the oil of gentleness and love, 
applied for many years to that dim spark, is found to kindle 
it to a flame of happy consciousness and heavenly hope. The 
poorest man's child, whose birth in many a land is a great 
sorrow to his mother, and whose life is a burden to himself, 
is here invited, a welcome guest, to the common " feast of 
reason," and lured to the race of intellect and honor by the 
side of the rich man's son. The commonwealth says to every 
one, " I am thy impartial mother, and will feed thee with the 
sweets of wisdom." 

Such is a feeble sketch of the daylight of America. . Now, 
behold her darkness, her shame and her dishonor! Oh, my 
country! art thou at once the greatest and the meanest of na- 
tions ? Truly, our institutions present to the world a paradox, 
which must, by turns, delight and terrify the good and the 
wicked, and at all times puzzle the wise. It is a crime against 
our statute and organic laws, to deprive one individual of a 
single privilege; but it is the glory of those who control the 
land to rob four million human beings of every right, and of 
themselves besides, their children, their bodies and their minds. 
Our national theory says we must "establish justice and se- 
cure liberty to ourselves and our posterity"; our national 
practice aims to build up wrong and outrage and make slavery 
universal and eternal. " Hide the outcast, and betray not him 
that wandereth," said the oldest law-giver; and "no man shall 



244 REV - SAMUEL AARON. 

be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of 
law," is the language of our own Constitution. "But, thou 
shalt surely seize the friendless stranger and deliver him to 
the man-thief who claims him as a slave," is the most strenuous 
command of our Federal Government since 1850, to a free 
people. Its surest protection and highest rewards are be- 
stowed on him who is most zealous in that cause; but the 
man who scorns to be a bloodhound incurs its bitterest fury. 
The pettiest federal appointment is conditioned on a zeal for 
slavery; and men without intellect or standing are fit for 
national service, if they have yelled fiercely on the track of a 
hunted man. But, should Washington return to earth, in- 
vested as he is with sacred memories and crowned with world- 
wide and undying fame, he would be unfit, because he hated 
slavery, to command a regiment or collect the revenue at 
Charlestown; and Jefferson, the Solon of Democracy, and 
writer of the great Declaration, could not be appointed Li- 
brarian to Congress, nor Minister to St. Domingo. 

The most popular feature of American Christianity is a 
bitter hatred to the practical lovers of impartial freedom; and 
no man is hired to say one prayer for Congress, unless he be- 
lieves that Paul sent back the slave Onesimus. The Protest- 
ant Bible and religious books and tracts are scattered broad- 
cast over all the earth, and are declared to be the leaves of the 
tree of life for the healing of the nations, while the voice of the 
living preacher rings out in every tongue. In carrying on this 
great mission, the various governments are conciliated, de- 
ceived or defied, on the plea that God has sent a message 
which every man must hear. But, lo! the Southern half of 
this great republic quashes this plea, with the entire approval 
of those who urge it, shuts out from four millions of its people 
the message and the messenger; sells women at high prices 
into prostitution to send the Gospel to China; gashes the flesh 
of the slave at home who would spell the name of Jesus; 
tortures or murders the man that would teach him. Mean- 
while it claims to possess the purest religion and the warmest 
piety to be found on earth; and, by the churches of the North, 
that claim is widely conceded. All sins in our land are dis- 
cussed and denounced in sermons, books and tracts, from the 



AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. 245 

crime of murder down to the gaiety of the ball-room, and the 
love of show which sets a feather on a matron's bonnet or a 
ring on a maiden's finger; but the act of tearing infants from 
their mother's bosoms, or of selling one's beautiful daughter 
into nameless infamy, or of scourging men and women to 
deathly toil, is not once named in the catalogue of transgres- 
sions, nor does the word "slavery" appear in the millions of 
pious volumes which are diffused throughout the community. 
The phrases, "peculiar institutions," "pious masters," and 
"happy servants," dwell, to be sure, on many a consecrated 
lip, where logic, eloquence and "piety" combine to save our 
Union and the "church"; but contempt and starvation in the 
North from persons of "standing," and curses, hemp and fag- 
gots, in the South, await the man who preaches equal liberty 
and justice to all throughout the land. 

To maintain the harmony of such a brotherhood, and 
cherish and extend the spirit of such a patriotism, in willing 
subordination to the two hundred thousand voting dealers in 
human flesh, is the way, the only way, according to the teach- 
ings of Church and State, to preserve "this glorious Union;" 
and such an agreement of North and South and East and West 
— "is the Union," the salvation of which, our orator of the 
Fourth assured us, would be cheaply bought by the life-blood 
of every soul in this great commonwealth. " Credat Judcens 
Apella!" On the contrary, if this be our Union, and these its 
purposes, the curse of Heaven and the scorn of earth shall fall 
upon it; the irrepressible instincts of nature, controlled by the 
fury of revenge, shall wake up massacre; civil and servile 
strife shall ripen to anarchy, and our boasted institutions rot 
into despotism. 

But let our "Union" be made a means to the glorious end 
of impartial justice and equal liberty; let it be a safe asylum 
for every fugitive from oppression and outrage; let it be an 
hospital, where the wounded and the broken hearted, the sin- 
ful and the sorrowing, may find healing, purity and peace; let 
it be a sacred temple, wide as the continent, high as heaven 
and free as air, in which every human being may keep his own 
conscience here below, and worship, at its dictates, his God 
above; then shall our "Union" be the light and the glory of 



246 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

all nations. It shall attract the hearts and win the confidence 
of men, and pay back their tribute with peace and freedom. 
It shall point out to rational princes a higher elevation than 
their thrones; and make an injured peasantry more noble than 
their former kings. 

For this our prayers shall rise, 
To this our hearts shall cling; 
'Till earth become a paradise, 
And God our only King! 



SELECTIONS. 



ODE TO SIMPLICITY. 

Artless Simplicity, wilt thou inspire me 

To nng of thy beauties in strains of thy own ? 

O, breathe through my lines, and with energy fire me, 
To paint thy soft charms to the pompous unknown. 

Thy mien how engaging, how graceful each feature, 
Thy form has the semblance of beauty above ; 

The first and the favorite offspring of Nature, 
The sister to Virtue, companion of Love. 

How modest, how humble the train that surround thee 
How sweet are thy pleasures, how often denied, 

How seldom beheld as the prophet first found thee 
With Adam in Eden and Eve his fair bride. 

Adorn'd with thy beauties and clad with thy graces, 
They needed no tinsel to heighten their charms; 

In bow'rs breathing odors, in halcyon embraces 
They felt divine raptures enclos'd by thy arms. 

Yet, mournful delusion ! these scenes so endearing 
Were doom'd to be blasted and render'd forlorn; 

The specious dissembler, the tempter appearing, 
Pluck'd up the fair primrose and planted the thorn. 

He ting'd false enjoyments with colors deceiving, 
He painted the wisdom that thou couldst attain ; 

Simplicity heard, and, too fondly believing, 
Partook of the pleasure, — but, ah ! it was pain. 

With shame thou wast cover'd, thy loveliness vanish'd, 
The groves odorif'rous beheld thee no more; 

From Paradise quickly thy train were all banish' d, 
And its children left naked thy loss to deplore. 

Thy charms now forgotten, unseen, undesired, 
No longer man woos thee to make thee his own ; 

Parade, pomp and splendor are only admired, 
Whilst thou art forsaken, despis'd or unknown. 

Remote from the concourse of follies and fashions, 
Inspiring the notes of the songsters of spring, 

The woodland inhabitants, breathing thy passions, 
Thy beauties instinctively, artlessly sing. 



248 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

Oh ! if thou art found in the dwellings of mortals, 
Where, where shall I seek thee, Simplicity? say. 

Thou art not enclos'd by magnificent portals, 

Where tyrants command and where menials obey. 

Perchance with the school-boy thou climbest the mountain 
To see the wild cuckoo or nest of the dove ; 

Perchance thou art found at the crystalline fountain 
Where young men and maidens are dreaming of love. 

Perhaps with the shepherd thy footsteps are wand'ring, 
Whilst tuning his lute to some wild rural strain; 

W 7 hilst thro' the green pastures his flocks are meand'ring, 
And cropping the daisies that tincture the plain. 

That household contains thee whose members united 
Are paying their vows to their sov'reign above; 

Thou bearest, sweet maiden, the tribute, delighted, 
On angelic wings to the mansions of love. 

And the era approaches, unspeakably glorious, 
When mankind in concert shall socially join 

To give thee kind welcome, o'er fashion victorious, 
And bury their pomp at the base of thy shrine. 

Then vice, fraud and calumny, envy and slander, 

Shall sink to the regions of darkness again ; 
And virtue, simplicity, truth, love and candor, 
Take up their abode with the children of men. 
1819. 



LINES 

Written on the death of a young girl, aged 15 years. 

Life triumphed in the blooming girl, 

The parents' hope, the brother's joy; 
Death, envious Death, beheld the scene, 

And hastened, ruthless, to destroy. 

Death triumphed in the fell disease, 

Made the young form a lifeless clod; 
But Life, unconquer'd, kept the soul 

And bore it to the throne of God. 

Death grimly closed the stony vault, 

And locked the portals of the grave; 
But Life, triumphant, grasped the key, 

Constant in love and strong to save. 

And, lo! the resurrection voice 

Which woke the dead of Palestine, 
Shall call to Rachel's sleeping dust, 

And raise it to a life divine. S. Aaron. 



* SELECTIONS. 249 

A Platform Scene. 

On the 22d of February, 1862, Colonel James W. Wall 
was invited by the Common Council of Burlington to deliver 
an address on the "Compromises of the Constitution." Col- 
onel Wall, it wili be remembered, had been arrested as a rebel 
sympathizer, incarcerated in Fort Lafayette, and was subse- 
quently released without parole. In his address, he took the 
ground that the Constitution was a compromise. The hall 
was crowded, many Republicans who opposed his views being 
present. There was no disturbance." 

Rev. Samuel Aaron was invited to answer Colonel Wall. 
The following is a copy of the notice published in the Burling- 
ton papers : 

The Rev. Samuel Aaron is to give a lecture, admittance free, at the City Hall, 
Thursday evening, the 27th instant, at 7.30 o'clock. Subject : "Our Constitution." 
He means to elaborate the idea that the Constitution of the United States is not a 
compromise between right and wrong, but a covenant between the whole nation 
and all its parts to establish justice and secure and cherish liberty ; to protect 
patriotism and punish traitors. 

The invitation was extended to the Mayor of Burlington 
and other prominent citizens of the place, and it was under- 
stood Mr. Aaron's remarks would be a reply to the arguments 
of Colonel Wall. When the lecturer commenced his dis- 
course the hall was crowded, two-thirds of the congregation 
being ladies. There were no indications of a disturbance. Air. 
Aaron proceeded, and among his first declamatory remarks 
was an assault upon General McClellan, who, he said, had 
been frightened by wooden guns. 

A voice demanded, "What have you to say against Gen- 
eral McClellan?" 

The speaker said he was only commenting upon facts. 

" Yes," replied his interrogator, " If McClellan had a black 
stripe down his back he would suit you better." 

Mr. Aaron proceeded again for some ten minutes. He 
spoke of John Brown as being a martyr to principle — as a 
meek, heavenly-minded man, who went down south with 
peaceful intentions; whose sole object was to free the bond- 
man from his shackles; and the bloody assassins murdered 
him. He went on to say that Colonel Wall had recently de- 



250 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

livered a lecture in the same hall, in which he had charged 
the abolitionists with denouncing the Constitution as a 
"covenant with death and a league with hell." He did not 
believe this, unless the declaration of Judge Taney was 
correct — that the negro was not a citizen. If that decision 
were true, then he (the Rev. Mr. Aaron) did not hesitate to 
declare that the Constitution was a " league with the devil and 
a covenant with hell"; and the sooner it was abolished the 
better. 

Here there was a volley of eggs aimed at the speaker, 
but none of which touched him. The confusion which fol- 
lowed was almost indescribable. Ladies became frantic with 
alarm, and some jumped from the hall windows, about eight 
feet from the ground. None were, however, seriously in- 
jured — a sprained ankle being about the most serious dam- 
age. The lecturer stopped during the occurrence, but subse- 
quently resumed his remarks. 

He dwelt with severity upon the last Administration, de- 
nouncing with particular vehemence President Buchanan. 
He spoke of William Lloyd Garrison as a very much abused 
man, and described him as a great defender of liberty. He 
declared that the men who abused Wendell Phillips were 
unworthy to tie his shoe latches, and said that he (Mr. Aaron) 
had been for years laboring to bring the public mind to a 
right way of thinking on this subject, and that the people of 
the North, he was proud to say, were flocking to the platform 
he had stood upon for so many years. 

Here there was another volley of eggs and intense ex- 
citement. The Mayor, who was on the platform with the 
speaker, left it for the purpose of suppressing the disturbance. 
As he proceeded to the entrance of the hall he found it 
blocked up by exasperated people, and a city constable was 
found in the condition of being throttled by one of the 
rioters. * * * 



SELECTIONS. 25 I 

Banks and Financiers and Currency. 

Mr. Aaron in "Truth," February 10, 1842. 

The utmost efforts have been used for a number of years 
past, by the keen-witted and glib-tongued idlers of our land, 
to convince the great body of the people, the producing mass, 
that the prime object of legislation should be to aid the afore- 
said idle schemers in getting rich, and the wealthy in increas- 
ing their abundance, so that these two classes might, of the 
fullness of their bounty, deal out enough and to spare to the 
sweaty-browed laborer and care-worn toiler for daily bread. 
Their language, meant if not spoken, has been, " Help the 
gifted financier and protect the moneyed class, and they will 
make money plentiful and good, and take care of all the rest." 
This experiment has been tried in Pennsylvania on a magnifi- 
cent scale, by the agency of mammoth banks and financiering 
on public works, and has resulted in bestowing unearned and 
sometimes princely wealth on a few persons, and saddling a 
public debt of forty millions on the Commonwealth, and a 
much greater loss than forty millions on private individuals, 
many of them widows and orphans, reduced from an easy 
competence to actual destitution. 

This wretched state of things has resulted in a great 
measure from the arrogant assumption that the honest labor- 
ing people are incompetent to ascertain and promote their own 
best interests, and that, therefore, men of talents must manu- 
facture for them wealth and happiness. These brilliant finan- 
ciers and active guardians of the public weal have given the 
people plenty of promissory rags instead of their hard cash. 
This seeming plenty of money has made us all luxurious; 
and while foreign nations have shut out our produce our 
financiers have sent them our specie to pay in part for what 
we should have done without. And so we have European 
luxuries and irredeemable bank notes, and a foreign debt of 
two hundred millions, instead of hard money and homespun 
independence. 

Now, when the people at large shall be really satisfied 
that their own common sense and home-bred honesty are as 



252 REV. SAMUEL AARON. 

essential to public as to private welfare, they will insist on less 
legislation, and on none at all of a partial character; they will 
see that a free people should have no laws to help one man 
up by putting another down ; that they need none to aid them 
in getting rich; but solely to protect them in the sacred 
rights of property and person; to protect them effectually in 
doing what they please, while they do no harm to themselves 
or others. The desire and the right of an honest man are to 
be let alone and have a chance to reach that standing to which 
his real worth entitles him. Away with the idea of giving 
some men power and authority by law on the pretext that 
they will use them for the good of others. 

And what gives any useful article of exchange its real 
value? The amount of human labor bestowed upon it, is the 
answer of honest common sense. Why is a bushel of potat 
worth fifty cents? Because it requires as much labor to raise 
the bushel of potatoes as it does to find, and dig, and melt, 
and refine, and shape, and coin the silver ore in half a dollar. 
A favorable season will produce more potatoes for the same 
labor, and then they will be cheaper. But does a slip of bank 
paper take its value from the labor expended on it? No. 
It is, then, good for nothing, unless it represents the specie it 
promises to pay. 



Oil *J%J \-J\Jl 



